Procurement Operations Analyst

Position Summary:

The Procurement Operations Analyst serves as the department''s lead resource for procurement analytics, reporting, business intelligence, and continuous improvement. This role leverages data, technology, and process optimization to drive operational excellence, support informed decision-making, and enhance procurement performance. The position also provides operational support across the procurement lifecycle, serves as a backup to the Procurement Coordinator, and supports strategic initiatives that advance the university''s procurement objectives.

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in PDF format in the Supporting Documents section of the application. Selected applicants may be asked to submit an anonymized work sample as part of the review and application evaluation.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, analytical, and passionate about improving business outcomes through data, technology, and process improvement. They enjoy transforming information into actionable insights, identifying opportunities to enhance systems and workflows, and supporting data-driven decision-making.

This individual is equally comfortable with strategic thinking and hands-on execution, embraces continuous learning, and is motivated by making a measurable impact through innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role (minimum of 2 days in the office per week). Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $56,560 - $70,000, contingent upon qualifications and experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on a year-for-year basis, may be substituted.

• One or more (1+) years of experience in procurement, supply chain, business analytics, operations, financial analysis, or a related field.

Skills

• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, interpret, analyze, and present data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and support business decision-making.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving, and process improvement capabilities.
• Strong customer service orientation with a positive attitude and sense of urgency.
• Ability to translate complex information into meaningful reports, visualizations, and actionable recommendations.
• Ability to develop and present dashboards, scorecards, KPI reporting, and data visualizations that support decision-making.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of performance and consistently meet commitments.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems, reporting tools, business intelligence platforms, and other business applications.
• Ability to leverage emerging technologies, automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve productivity, reporting, and business processes.
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.

Preferences:

• Five or more (5+) years of experience in procurement, supply chain, business analytics, operations, financial analysis, or a related field.
• Experience with data visualization, business intelligence, and reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Oracle Analytics, or similar applications.
• Experience developing dashboards, scorecards, KPI reporting, executive presentations, and data-driven business reviews.
• Demonstrated interest in and experience leveraging AI-enabled tools, automation, and emerging technologies to improve business processes, reporting, operational efficiency, and decision-making.
• Experience with Oracle Fusion Cloud or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms.
• Experience supporting process improvement, operational excellence, continuous improvement, or business transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with eSourcing, spend analytics, supplier management, contract management, or procurement technology platforms.
• Familiarity with higher education procurement practices, policies, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions:

• Procurement Analytics and Reporting

• Develop, maintain, and enhance procurement dashboards, scorecards, KPI reporting, and operational metrics.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret procurement, supplier, and operational data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.

• Develop ad hoc analyses and reports to support leadership decision-making.

• Transform data into meaningful insights and recommendations through effective data visualization and storytelling.

• Lead procurement performance measurement, reporting, and business intelligence initiatives.

• Process Improvement and Digital Enablement

• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, workflows, stakeholder experiences, and operational efficiency.

• Support ERP optimization efforts and procurement technology initiatives.

• Evaluate, pilot, and leverage digital, automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve reporting, productivity, stakeholder experience, and business outcomes.

• Identify, recommend, and implement opportunities to automate reporting, streamline workflows, and improve data quality across procurement processes.

• Analyze and document business processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience.

• Participate in cross-functional projects supporting continuous improvement and organizational objectives.

• Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop presentations, executive summaries, dashboards, and procurement business reviews for leadership and stakeholders.

• Communicate procurement performance, initiatives, and recommendations through clear and compelling reporting.

• Build productive relationships with campus stakeholders and suppliers.

• Provide guidance and support regarding procurement processes, systems, and best practices.

• Procurement Operations Support

• Serve as the primary backup to the Procurement Coordinator.

• Support stakeholders throughout the procurement lifecycle and assist with procurement-related inquiries.

• Resolve purchasing, supplier, invoicing, pricing, and delivery issues.

• Assist with supplier catalog maintenance, system administration activities, and procurement operations.

• Support the department during periods of high workload, staff absences, or special projects.

• Strategic Sourcing Support

• Conduct market research, spend analysis, and supplier analysis to support sourcing decisions.

• Assist with benchmarking, supplier performance assessments, and data-driven sourcing initiatives.

• Support sourcing events, supplier evaluations, and commercial reviews.

• Support strategic procurement projects as assigned.

• Additional Responsibilities

• Maintains a high level of accountability and follows through on commitments.

• Supports special projects, departmental initiatives, and organizational priorities as assigned.

• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

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Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.