Commodity Manager II, Technology Procurement

This job carries with it the obligation to uphold the Mission of Lone Star College (LSC) in carrying out the duties of the position. A commitment to positive interpersonal behaviors, professional communication, integrity, leadership, stewardship, respect and accountability to LSC students and employees is essential.

Cultural Beliefs

• One LSC
• Student Focused
• Own It
• Foster Belonging
• Cultivate Community
• Choose Learning

The Chronicle of Higher Education's "Great Colleges to Work For" is designed to recognize colleges that have been successful in creating great workplaces and to further research and understanding of the factors, dynamics and influences that have the most impact on organizational culture at higher education institutions.

Lone Star College has been recognized in multiple categories.

Lone Star College-System Office

Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 80,000+ students each semester. LSC has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College.

Lone Star College-System Office employees are based at one of two System Office locations; The Woodlands and University Park. Both are the site for multiple administrative departments and system-wide training programs.

Location address is 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Commodity Manager II, Technology Procurement leverages professional expertise in IT and technology-related acquisitions to efficiently manage procurement processes. This position is responsible for sourcing an ERP system, hardware, software, cloud services, IT consulting, and other technology solutions for Lone Star College (LSC) while ensuring quality, cost efficiency, compliance, and timely delivery. The role requires strong strategic sourcing, vendor management, and contract negotiation skills to align procurement efforts with LSCs technological and institutional goals. This position ensures full compliance with LSC policies, state procurement regulations, cybersecurity requirements, and licensing agreements while maintaining excellent customer service.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Manages the procurement of technology-related goods and services for LSCS, overseeing assigned commodity/category codes involving the Office of Technology Services, specifically the ERP solicitation and implementation process as top priority

2. Handles the full lifecycle of technology-focused solicitations, including RFPs, RFQs, CSPs, and cooperative quotes, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices for IT procurement with focus on the ERP solicitation and implementation process

3. Conducts spend analysis on technology-related purchases, including hardware, software, cloud services, and IT consulting, identifying cost-saving opportunities and strategic sourcing solutions

4. Collaborates with IT leadership and stakeholders to understand technology needs, align procurement strategies with IT goals, and ensure compliance with cybersecurity and data protection requirements as well as requirements for ERP system

5. Manages vendor relationships for IT suppliers and service providers, including contract negotiations, performance evaluations, and issue resolution including the ERP implementation

6. Initiates, negotiates, and manages IT contracts, license agreements, and renewals, ensuring adherence to legal, security, and institutional policies

7. Evaluates emerging technology procurement trends, including SaaS, cloud computing, and AI-driven solutions, to recommend innovative purchasing strategies

8. Develops and enforces IT procurement policies to optimize efficiency, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with federal laws, state laws, and the Lone Star College System policies and procedures

9. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new technology purchases within LSC's existing IT infrastructure including ERP implementation

10. Ensures all IT procurement contracts are active and compliant, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and maintaining up-to-date records

11. Creates and updates procurement SOPs and job aids specific to the ERP implementation process

12. Participates in IT governance meetings, procurement committees, and strategic planning sessions to align purchasing decisions with institutional objectives and ERP implementation

13. Responsible for other reasonable, related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

* Strong knowledge of State Bid Laws, Higher Education requirements, and Purchasing Cooperatives

* Excellent customer services skills

* Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while still meeting deadlines

* Working knowledge of PCs and related software (Microsoft Office Suite), and the ability to learn new software

* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written

* Strong knowledge of assigned commodities and keep current on trends in the industry

* Project management skills and team leadership skills

* Strong multi-tasking abilities

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items, such as papers, books, or small parts; or driving an automobile. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

WORK SCHEDULE AND CONDITIONS:

* Equipment used includes, PC workstation running on a LAN in a Microsoft Windows environment, calculator, phone, and other general office equipment

* Interface with internal and external contacts as needed to carry out the functions of the position

* Work is performed in a climate-controlled office with minimal exposure to safety hazards

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelors degree and at least 3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Certified Texas Purchasing Manager (CTPM), Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM), or Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD)

Hiring salary range is $58,625 - $67,419

Lone Star College provides a hiring salary range for all posted full-time non-faculty positions. Where your salary offer would fall in that range is determined by your related experience and education. Should you receive an offer of employment from Lone Star College, the resume submitted in the application process will be utilized to calculate your salary offer. The information outlined below will provide the Office of Human Resources everything needed to determine an accurate starting salary.

Your resume should provide a complete picture of your work experience. The resume should include the following information for each position listed:

1. Length of time (specific months and years) of employment
2. If the position was full time or part time
3. If the position was paid or unpaid
4. Level of degree completed including date earned.
5. Unofficial transcript for highest earned degree

Additionally, any certifications listed as required or preferred in the Lone Star College job description should be included in the resume submitted.

By joining our top-notch institution, you will enjoy being a part of an organization that offers a supportive, collegial work environment and excellent work/life balance. This includes a full comprehensive and competitive benefits package, a generous number of paid holidays and vacation days, wellness programs, tuition waiver, professional development opportunities and more.

Go to the Job Search page, click on 'My Activities' at the top of the page. Under My Cover Letters and Attachments you will click on 'Add Attachment.' Please be sure to put the Job ID# in the title once you name your file for cover letters only, unless you attached your cover letter with your resume.

If you are applying for an Instructional position (i.e. Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, Instructor), please ensure you include the following to be considered: Resume/CV, Cover Letter, Teaching Philosophy, and unofficial transcripts.

You must limit your file name for any attachment to 40 characters or less.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE ONLY

We will not accept application material received via fax, email, mail, or hand delivered.

Postings for part-time and adjunct positions are active for the academic year. By selecting the option to receive notifications on your profile, you will begin receiving electronic communication regarding new opportunities with Lone Star College (LSC).

If selected for an interview, a recruiter will contact you by phone, or email to schedule an interview.

Lone Star College participates in the E-Verify program, under which Lone Star College provides the federal government with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm that the employee is authorized to work in the United States.

More information on the E-Verify program is available at www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Lone Star College is an EEO Employer. All positions are subject to a criminal background check.