University of Chicago

Compensation

Full Description

Department OPS Operations, Strategy, and Finance - Supply Chain Management About The Department The Office of the Vice President for Operations supports the highest ambitions of the University’s teaching and learning, research, and engagement goals with the mandate to oversee enabling infrastructure of the University including the built environment, technology, and human resources organizations. In support of faculty, students, and staff, the Office of the Vice President for Operations prioritizes an exceptional level of service and delivery of robust business practices that steward the University’s infrastructure resources efficiently and contributes to the long-range planning and culture of the University. Job Summary The Executive Director, reporting to the Associate Vice President of Operations Strategy and Finance, provides strategic leadership for campus-wide operational functions, including Supply Chain, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Software Licensing, Printing Services, and Computer Acquisition. Overseeing multiple teams of directors, managers, and professional staff, the Executive Director develops and implements consistent processes to optimize efficiency, compliance, and financial stewardship across IT, Facilities, Safety and Security, and Human Resource. This position champions operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement to support the University’s strategic initiatives and long-term goals. Responsibilities • Provides strategic leadership over supply chain, accounts payable/receivable, software licensing, printing services, and computer acquisition functions. • Develops and maintains a forward-looking 5-year strategic plan, aligning unit goals with broader University initiatives. • Oversees inventory and warehouse operations to optimize stock levels, reduce costs, and ensure timely service delivery. • Directs sourcing, vendor negotiation, and vendor management to achieve quality, cost savings, and compliance. • Ensures all processes comply with University policies and regulatory guidelines, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. • Establishes and manages operating budgets, performs financial modeling, and drives long-term financial planning. • Leads proposal and cost analysis development for significant University purchasing projects. • Builds and maintains effective partnerships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. • Serves as escalation point for complex customer issues and proactively solicit feedback for service improvement. • Leads, mentors, and evaluates a diverse team of managers and staff, fostering professional growth and high performance. • Develops, tracks, and reports on service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve team performance. • Drives process improvement initiatives and prepares regular reports/presentations for senior leadership. • Identifies operational goals and oversees allocation of resources to meet priorities. Ensures compliance of staff with organizational, University and other relevant policies and guidelines. • Advises on all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement. Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations. Manages development of all contracts, including those with vendors and other institutions. • Oversees the management of informational technology planning, ensuring necessary operating and information systems and resources are in place to accomplish strategic goals. Conceives and directs special projects related to the business of the organizational unit. • Provides leadership and direction through managers. Establishes budgetary plans, policies and protocols to enhance the central pedagogical mission and operational goals. • Manages employees through subordinates, usually other managers. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates. • Performs other related work as needed. Education Minimum Qualifications Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications Preferred Qualifications Experience • Developing and implementing information technology support programs and services. • Extensive experience collaborating with faculty and staff in a Tier 1 research university setting. • Extensive experience managing office equipment or desktop machines. • Five years of experience managing staff and charge back operations. • Five years of vendor management. • Dealing with budgeting and financial modeling in an auxiliary service environment. Preferred Competencies • Excellent written and oral communication skills. • Keep abreast of IT trends and technologies and build knowledge and technical expertise. • Collaborative – builds effective relationships with others. Works effectively as a member of a department. Open to assistance and willing to assist others. Puts success of team above own interest. • Professional – internalizes and acts on organizational mission and goals. Works effectively across organization and campus community. Active interest in the University and IT in higher education. • Takes personal ownership of professional development. • Values and respects differences. • Accountability and Commitment to Follow Through – advocate for the University and take ownership of multiple issues at a single time. Follow the issues through until final resolution. Working Conditions • Standard office environment. • Sit for short or extended time periods. • Extensively use computer. Application Documents • Resume/CV (required) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Administration & Management Role Impact People Manager Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $202,000.00 - $258,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook. Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.