Supply Chain Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW:

U Market and Printing Services supports the University of Minnesota's teaching, research, and outreach mission by delivering logistics, materials management, e-commerce/procurement, printing, addressing and mailing, creative design, and communications services across the Twin Cities and system campuses. We provide collaborative problem solving and campus service to support the University's mission, vision, and goals.

The Supply Chain Manager will lead purchasing, contract management, and inventory strategy across a decentralized University environment. The role will partner with campus departments, central Purchasing Services, Auxiliary Services, and more to reduce total cost of ownership, increase operational efficiency, and deliver a best-in-class service experience to the University. This role combines leadership, procurement strategy, system ownership, and a strong focus on data driven decision making.

U Market and Printing Services are units within Auxiliary Services, a division of University Services at the University of Minnesota.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supply Chain Management (50%)
* Serve as the business process owner for inventory, materials management, and eprocurement services across multiple systems including Oracle NetSuite, Jaggaer, and TRIRIGA, managing projects and addressing related concerns
* Negotiate and manage U Market Stock vendor contracts, ensuring clear SLAs, performance metrics and compliance with University Purchasing Policy
* Lead sourcing strategies that leverage University-wide contracts to reduce costs and simplify purchasing for University customers
* Define, track, and analyze KPIs related to procurement and operations, using data to recommend and implement continuous process improvements
* Lead demand forecasting, replenishment, inventory controls, and stock optimization strategies to minimize stockouts, reduce excess inventory, and support cost recovery for internal material sales
* Ensure all purchasing, inventory, and materials management processes remain compliant with University policies and procedures

Administrative Leadership (35%)
* Serve as a member of the U Market and Printing Services leadership team by shaping and executing the department wide strategic and operational initiatives in alignment with broader goals set by Auxiliary and University Services
* Assist with development of the departmental operating budget, annual workplans, and unit-level planning activities to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures
* Lead, coach, and develop cross-functional teams responsible for purchasing, materials management, and customer support while maintaining a positive, high-trust culture that emphasizes continuous improvement and professional development
* Partner closely with Operations Managers to ensure inventory management, order fulfillment, and day-to-day supply chain operations run seamlessly in support of departmental service commitments
* Serve as liaison to University Services Shared Services partners including finance, IT, marketing, and communications to create workplans and goals related to their unique services
* Develop clear, direct and concise communication that provides work direction within the department, as well as with other internal and external units
* Champion the development, planning and implementation of departmental programs to support greater University goals related to sustainability, respectful workplace, and diversity, equity and inclusion

Communications Oversight (15%)
* Provide strategic leadership for departmental communications and marketing operations, ensuring alignment with unit goals, customer needs, and University brand standards
* Partner with University Services Marketing and Communications team to help develop annual communications objectives, budgets, and strategies
* Use analytics and customer feedback to evaluate communication effectiveness and continuously improve outreach, engagement, and service adoption
* Manage the planning and coordination of customer engagement initiatives such as the annual U Market Supplier Showcase
* Review, provide feedback, and approve certain internal and external communications related to the business units

Work Environment
This position requires work to be performed primarily in an office and warehouse setting. Hybrid arrangements may be accommodated

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Required (minimum) qualifications
* Bachelor's degree with a minimum of eight years of experience working in a large, complex, highly decentralized organization
* Demonstrated experience leading or supervising professional staff, including coaching, performance management, and team development
* Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing vendor contracts
* Demonstrated experience coordinating and supporting executive-level strategic planning
* Proven ability to analyze operational data, define KPIs and use metrics to drive efficiency
* Ability to work independently and in consultation with multiple stakeholders
* Effective communication skills and experience interfacing with a wide range of professionals, students, staff, and faculty
* Strong skills in organizational, leadership, time, and project management

Preferred qualifications
* Master's degree in business, supply chain management, or related field
* Experience working in higher education or public sector environment with complex compliance and purchasing requirements
* Ability to identify departmental priorities and make decisions to ensure work efforts and resources and allocated appropriately
* Highly developed conflict management, negotiation, and problem resolution skills
* Demonstrated success leading change management initiatives or enterprise system implementations/upgrades

Pay Range: $85,000-$115,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment:100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).