Role Title: Senior Business Improvement Manager - Procurement & Contract Management

Location: Chicago IL (Hybrid)

Duration: 1 Year.

Job Description:

Job Summary

The client is seeking a seasoned Senior Business Improvement Manager to lead initiatives aimed at optimizing the district’s procurement and contract management processes. This role focuses on improving efficiency, ensuring compliance, and leveraging technology to modernize procurement workflows and contract oversight. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement systems, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement to drive impactful changes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Process Improvement

• Analyze and document current procurement and contract management processes, identifying inefficiencies and areas for enhancement.
• Develop and implement strategies to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance transparency.
• Ensure alignment of procurement and contract processes with client's strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.

2. System Optimization & Oversight

• Oversee the configuration, implementation, and optimization of procurement and contract management tools (e.g., Oracle Procurement Cloud or similar platforms).
• Collaborate with IT teams to integrate procurement systems with other client's platforms for seamless operations.
• Monitor system performance and recommend updates or new features to improve functionality and user adoption.

3. Policy & Compliance Management

• Ensure procurement and contract management processes adhere to federal, state, and local regulations.
• Stay informed of regulatory updates and implement necessary changes to maintain compliance.
• Establish best practices and standard operating procedures to promote ethical and efficient procurement activities.

4. Project Leadership

• Lead cross-functional projects, including procurement system upgrades, policy revisions, and process automation.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and success metrics to ensure timely and efficient execution.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies throughout project lifecycles.

5. Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with departments such as Finance, Legal, Operations, and IT to understand procurement needs and deliver tailored solutions.
• Act as the primary liaison between client's stakeholders and external vendors, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
• Provide training and support to stakeholders on updated procurement processes and systems.

6. Reporting & Analytics

• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to track key procurement and contract management metrics.
• Analyze data to identify trends, measure success, and inform decision-making.
• Share insights with leadership to support strategic planning and operational improvements.

Qualifications

Education :

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Certification is required.

Experience :

• 7+ years of experience in procurement, contract management, or business process improvement, preferably within a large organization.
• Proven experience managing procurement systems and contract management platforms.
• Experience in the public sector, education, or similar institutions is highly desirable.

Skills :

• Strong knowledge of procurement best practices, contract lifecycle management, and compliance regulations.
• Expertise in procurement systems and data analytics tools.
• Exceptional project management skills, with experience using tools such as MS Project, Jira, or equivalent.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with public-sector procurement regulations and processes, including competitive bidding and vendor management.