Job Overview

chief supply chain officer

the university of texas system invites nominations and applications for the position of chief supply chain officer (csco). this is a new position at the system level, where the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop and implement a strategic supply chain management plan across the university system. the csco will be an entrepreneurial leader who can formulate essential relationships throughout the system and with external partners, generate revenue, and build organizational capacity across all supply chain functions.

for more than 140 years, the university of texas system has been committed to improving the lives of texans and people all over the world through education, research, and healthcare. with an enrollment of more than 256,000 students at academic and health institutions across the state, and an operating budget of more than $33 billion, the ut system is one of the largest public university systems in the nation and the world. ut institutions produce more than 66,000 graduates annually and award more than one-third of the state's undergraduate degrees and more than half of its medical degrees. across ut academic and health institutions, federal research and development expenditures total $4.3 billion - the highest in texas and the second highest in the nation - and the ut system regularly ranks among the top 10 most innovative universities worldwide. the ut system is also one of the largest employers in texas, with more than 22,000 faculty and more than 115,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and support staff.

the chief supply chain officer will serve as a strategic partner and resource to enhance, strengthen, and expand supply chain operations across the university of texas system institutions. this person must be innovative, collaborative, and possess strong leadership skills while also being comfortable working in a highly complex organization. the csco will oversee the organization's procurement strategy and ensure purchasing activities align with business objectives; drive efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and supplier relationships while maintaining compliance and risk management; and lead the development of a procurement plan, the definition of requirements, the selection of suppliers, the development of offers, the negotiation of conditions, the development of contracts, and the management of contracts. an essential aspect of the csco role will be to partner at all levels of the organization to develop, implement, and execute a systemwide supply chain management strategy that optimizes employee capabilities, achieves ut system's strategic objectives, and delivers a competitive advantage.

the chief supply chain officer will have direct responsibility over the system supply chain alliance and the ut system administration contracts and procurement teams. the csco will develop a highly collaborative and supportive working relationship with these offices to ensure efficient, effective, and ethical business practices throughout the system.

additionally, the csco will hold the following key responsibilities:

• lead the development and execution of a comprehensive procurement and supply chain strategy that aligns with the organization's goals and system's strategic vision
• ensure procurement activities are efficient, cost-effective, and compliant with regulatory standards while fostering strong supplier relationships and mitigating risk
• oversee the full procurement lifecycle - including planning, requirements definition, supplier selection, offer evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract management
• collaborate across all levels of the organization to create system-led, multi-institutional strategic sourcing opportunities that enhance operational performance, maximize value, and deliver a sustainable competitive advantage
• provide leadership for the ut system's group purchasing organization (gpo) accreditation program, ensuring institutions have access to a trusted network of gpos that meet procurement and contracting standards
• represent the ut system in external relations with industry, vendors, the public, and others with a focus on the contracting, procurement, and supply chain function
• build strong relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions, use feedback and data to drive continuous improvement, and create an environment in which team members feel a strong sense of ownership and accountability toward making the best possible customer experience
• effectively integrate long-term opportunities and challenges with day-to-day activities

desired qualifications and characteristics
the successful candidate will be forward-thinking, a collaborative leader, and a self-starter who embraces and models the highest ethics and integrity and demonstrates a commitment to creating a respectful and supportive work environment. in addition, the csco will possess the following experiences, capabilities, and personal attributes:

• bachelor's degree required, master's or terminal degree preferred.
• significant experience as a leader in a complex organization.
• at least seven years of direct supervisory experience in higher education or a similar complex organization.
• experience implementing non-mandated, strategic sourcing (and other) collaborations involving largely autonomous business organizations
• experience as a strategic leader with evidence of planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• ability to interpret and apply key financial indicators to make better business decisions.
• flexible communication styles and leadership approaches to adapt to the shifting demands of various situations and audiences, initiate change in response to changing external factors, and convey a clear understanding of a dynamic environment across diverse constituents.
• an emphasis on efficiencies and effective processes to ensure the completion of goals with a focus on continuous improvement.
• experience as a leader who can effectively paint a compelling picture of vision and strategy that motivates others, fosters a team-oriented environment based on cooperation and collaboration, and understands working with people to focus on outcomes while holding employees accountable.
• experience forming strong relationships with strategic sourcing partners with an emphasis on successful contract negotiation on behalf of the organization.
• humble with a servant leadership approach and a demonstrated track record of being highly collaborative.
• bottom line driven with results achieved through collaboration.
• highly resilient, persistent, and self-motivated.
• professional with sophisticated intellectual capability, nimble, confident, and comfortable in a matrix environment.

work is performed in a hybrid office environment. the expectation is that up to 50 percent of the time will be in person, subject to change. a personal computer and other standard office equipment will be provided. the position may require occasional evening or weekend hours. travel is expected about 15 percent of the time, but potentially more, as significant policy issues and opportunities arise requiring in-person meetings.

additional information on the system and the opportunity can be found at

the search committee will begin reviewing materials immediately, and applications will be considered until the position is filled. for full consideration, please submit a resume/cv and cover letter via our talent profile . additional inquiries and nominations can be submitted to:

carly digiovanni, edd, managing director
brian bustin, senior search associate

for more information, please visit the university of texas system home page at

the university of texas system administration is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. reasonable disability accommodation may be requested by contacting the office of talent and innovation.