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Procurement Manager

Universities of Wisconsin · Madison, WI · $86,000–$99,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell us about a time you used benchmark data or national indexes to change a sourcing decision.

What they are checking: Whether they actually use data like peer pricing and indexes, which the posting names, to drive value.

Describe a time you worked with subject matter experts who knew far more than you about what was being bought.

What they are checking: Whether they can draw on technical experts while keeping control of the procurement process.

This role calls for independent judgment. Tell us about a sourcing decision you made without much direction.

What they are checking: Whether they can act with sound judgment on their own and stand behind the reasoning.

What would you do

Two campuses want different things from the same enterprise contract. How do you get to one solicitation?

What they are checking: Whether they can find common ground among independent institutions without forcing a bad fit.

A vendor on a prime vending contract keeps missing service levels. What steps do you take?

What they are checking: Whether they escalate in a measured, documented way that protects the institution's options.

How would you share responsibility for UWSA procurement with another manager without things falling through the cracks?

What they are checking: Whether they can divide shared work clearly and communicate well in a co-managed function.

About the work

How would you build a category strategy for dining services across multiple UW institutions?

What they are checking: Whether they can analyze spend, stakeholder needs and market data to shape an enterprise-wide sourcing plan.

Pouring rights contracts carry big money and campus visibility. What would you watch for in one?

What they are checking: Whether they understand revenue terms, exclusivity and performance clauses in auxiliary services contracts.

Once a contract is signed, how do you manage it so the vendor delivers what was promised?

What they are checking: Whether they treat contract management as ongoing work with metrics, reviews and remedies.

How do you keep an enterprise solicitation compliant with state procurement rules while moving at a reasonable pace?

What they are checking: Whether they balance public-sector compliance with the business need for timely contracts.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Procurement Manager Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Procurement Manager Job Duties: This position Manages the development and implementation of broad-spectrum sourcing strategies and strategic plans for high demand, frequently recurring enterprise purchases. Works with technical and subject matter experts to identify and drive value added changes in sourcing and vendor management approaches. Leverages national indexes, peer information, vendor information, sales data, and subject matter experts to support development of category strategies. This position has shared responsibility for the management of UWSA’s Procurement and category management in Auxiliary Services. This position will also be responsible for strategic sourcing of this category, including enterprise solicitations, contract creation and contract management. The primary duties of this position require independent judgement and discretion. This position will work with UWSA and UW institutional stakeholders, state agencies and suppliers. Strategic sourcing of the Auxiliary Services category includes, but is not limited to; • Dining Services • Prime Vending • Pouring Rights • UWS Travel Services • Vending Services Work Location The office location is located at 780 Regent Street in Madison, WI. An in-office requirement is expected three days per week, and two days may be worked off-site/remote.  There may also be an option to work remotely from any one of the UW campuses and still maintain the requirement of an in-office presence three days per week on-campus and two days may be worked off-site/remote. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time. Key Job Responsibilities: Major responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to: · Leads and executes the research of suppliers, products and services; assesses market condition, identifies source options, and makes recommendations for critical unique and/or complex enterprise level procurements. · Prepares and disseminates business cases to appropriate audiences, proposes strategic sourcing, and authors programs to stakeholders using data analytics and dashboard tools. · Participates in and supports negotiations with suppliers and leads negotiations related to pricing as requested. · Utilizes sourcing data analytics to support leadership’s priorities. · Maintains category strategy documents and supporting data. · Develops and documents methods to measure, track, and report established vendor key performance indicators to leadership and stakeholders. · Provides supplier pricing benchmark analyses for staff as requested to support contract compliance. Department: The Office of Procurement – Strategic Sourcing provides strategic sourcing and purchasing services to UW System Administration (UWSA) employees and UW System institutions by two different teams. Strategic Sourcing Services provides assistance to UW System institutions with large procurement projects and leadership on procurement policies and practices. Purchasing Services provides assistance to UW System institutions with staff augmentation including full, ongoing Procurement support; on-demand assistance for contract review; negotiation and signature; and Request for Bids (RFBs) and Request for Proposals (RFPs). Compensation: The Procurement Manager (Official Job Title: Procurement Manager) is a full-time, salaried (exempt), academic staff, position. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $86,000 - $99,000. commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications. Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required. • At least four years combination of Purchasing, Finance or Accounting experience. • Demonstrated experience in developing, writing, and awarding of Request for Bids and Proposals. • Demonstrated experience in contract development, negotiation skills and industry best practices used in the procurement of goods and services. Preferred Qualifications: • Knowledge of State of Wisconsin purchasing rules and procedures. • Knowledge of strategic sourcing and using data to make fact-based decisions. • Prior work experience in higher education and/or government sectors. How to Apply: Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through September 13, 2026 . However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled. To receive full consideration, applicants are required to apply online and provide in PDF format a Resume and Cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications. Contact Information: Questions may be addressed to angie.koppen@uwss.wisconsin.edu . Accommodation Request If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting uwshr@wisconsin.edu . Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy This offer of employment is conditional pending the results of a criminal background check and a reference check process that includes questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. If you have prior work history within the past 7 years with the Universities of Wisconsin, your personnel file will also be reviewed for employee misconduct. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn or, if you have started employment, your employment will be terminated. Employment Authorization Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on, before, or after the effective date of appointment. Confidentiality The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7) . Benefits Information Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees or University Staff Please see this link for total compensation information: Universities of Wisconsin Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to provide you with total compensation information. Clery Act information The Universities of Wisconsin provides statistics on campus crime in its Annual Security Report. For more information on university campus statistics see https://www.wisconsin.edu/compliance/clery/ . UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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