Director of Procurement Transformation & Strategy

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Harvard University’s Strategic Procurement Department is a central administrative function that serves all Harvard schools, institutes, and administrative units. Our mission is to create value for Harvard by optimizing the procurement of goods and services while upholding the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and supplier partnership. We manage over $3.5 billion in annual addressable spend and are committed to practices that support balance of trade, environmental sustainability, and the University’s long-term financial health.

The Director of Procurement Transformation and Strategy (the Director) is the driving engine of Strategic Procurement's future-state operating model. Partnering closely with the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), this leader orchestrates enterprise change that shifts procurement from transactional oversight to a strategic, value-generation function. The Director operationalizes, manages projects in support of, and mobilizes the five-year strategic roadmap and maturity model into a governed portfolio that delivers measurable ROI, risk reduction, and a superior stakeholder experience. This role is responsible for leading and overseeing the adoption of critical projects and initiatives, and effectively institutionalizes AI enablement (generative AI, predictive analytics, and hyper-automation) across the procurement lifecycle.

This position requires high-level diplomacy, executive presence, and the ability to influence without direct authority across a decentralized University environment. The job responsibilities listed are representative, but not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned in support of departmental and University priorities.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Own the multiyear strategic roadmap and maturity model, translating vision into a sequenced portfolio of initiatives with defined outcomes, interdependencies, and clear ownership.
• Establish and lead transformation governance (e.g., decision rights, stage gates, benefits realization, risk management, and reporting cadence) to drive predictable execution and sustainable adoption.
• Design, implement, and continuously refine the target operating model—including processes, roles, controls, and system-enabled workflows—to improve efficiency, compliance, and user experience.
• Lead critical projects, which serve as the primary transformation platforms, driving speed, quality, organizational readiness, and strong adoption while embedding standard work and controls that reduce risk.
• Champion AI enablement across procurement by integrating generative AI and machine learning into workflows and analytics to advance from descriptive reporting to predictive and prescriptive insights.
• Identify, evaluate, and integrate enabling technologies that remove low-value transactional friction and unlock capacity for strategic category management and supplier driven innovation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to design and execute change management, communications, and training programs that embed modernization and create a lasting cultural shift.
• Build and lead a Procurement Center of Excellence and cross director support model, creating playbooks, tools, standards, and performance metrics that institutionalize best practices across the University.
• Lead complex, cross-functional programs from concept through stabilization; define scope, success measures, timelines, and governance.
• Develop business cases and implementation plans; track value realization and continuously optimize based on performance data.
• Drive stakeholder engagement and executive communications; prepare materials for senior forums and facilitate decision-making.
• Manage external partners and vendors to ensure outcomes, quality, and value for money.
• Identify and mitigate risks; ensure controls, policy alignment, and compliance with University requirements.
• Build and develop high-performing teams; clarify expectations, coach talent, and foster accountability and collaboration.

Basic Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role. 

For consideration, please include a cover letter.

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience leading enterprise transformation, operating model modernization, and/or large-scale program management. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn. 

• Demonstrated success influencing senior stakeholders and delivering measurable outcomes in complex, matrixed organizations.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, including the ability to translate strategy into executable plans and present to executive audiences.
• Experience modernizing procurement functions, including deployment of eProcurement, CLM, P2P, supplier management, and analytics solutions.
• Hands-on experience with AI, automation, data platforms, and advanced analytics in a procurement or adjacent operational context.
• Formal change management and/or program management credentials (e.g., Prosci, PMP, Lean/Six Sigma) preferred.
• Experience in higher education or similarly decentralized institutions with complex stakeholder landscapes.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) preferred

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

• Working Conditions: Hybrid; 1-2 days onsite per week on average plus ad-hoc meetings
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:
  This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.  

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.