Strategic Procurement Specialist, Wharton Finance & Administration

Strategic Procurement Specialist

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Procurement Specialist Senior

Wharton School Overview Founded in 1881 as the world's first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students.

This position will lead and continuously improve strategic sourcing and category management initiatives that deliver measurable cost savings, mitigate operational risk, optimize supplier performance, and ensure alignment with University procurement strategies and evolving market trends.

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist plays a critical role in advancing the School's procurement strategy by developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives that deliver measurable cost savings, mitigate risk, and enhance supplier performance. This role leads category management efforts across key spend areas, applying market intelligence, benchmarking, and University-provided analytics to inform decision-making and elevate procurement effectiveness. The Specialist is forward-thinking, solutions-oriented, and highly collaborative - working closely with stakeholders across the school and central procurement to streamline processes and support new contracting processes. In collaboration with the central Strategic Procurement team, this position also strengthens strategic supplier relationships to drive long-term value creation and ensure that procurement activities align with University standards and evolving market best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, supply chain, or a related field and 5-7 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, or related functions, ideally within a complex or decentralized organization, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Demonstrated expertise in category management, supplier relationship management, and leading sourcing initiatives that deliver measurable cost savings and operational improvements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and spend analytics, translating data into actionable recommendations.
• Experience negotiating contracts across a wide range of categories, including the ability to manage change orders and SOW modifications.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across departments and partner effectively with central procurement.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Wharton School

$76,000.00 - $100,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits