Assistant Manager Procurement Card Programs (Hybrid)

Department: Procurement Card
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) is the single point of contact for all centralized procurement and payment activities. The Assistant Manager of Procurement Card Programs reports to the Assistant Vice President of PPS and is responsible for overseeing the University's procurement card programs. This role ensures the program operates efficiently, aligns institutional policies and regulatory requirements, and reflects industry best practices.

The Assistant Manager supervises a corporate card analyst and leads day-to-day operations, including cardholder training and support, transaction monitoring, and process improvement. Success in this role requires a high level of integrity, independence, and strategic collaboration with departments, schools, PPS colleagues, and the University's banking partner.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Manage the full lifecycle of the University's procurement card programs, including card issuance, maintenance, and cancellation.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures governing procurement usage, reconciliation, and reporting for the corporate card and travel ghost card programs.
• Coordinate with the bank or card provider to resolve issues and ensure smooth program administration.
• Lead strategic initiatives to enhance program efficiency, including automation and integration with financial systems.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory updates, and best practices in procurement card management.
• Serve as the primary contact for cardholders and foster strong working relationships with departments and schools across the University and represent PPS on collaborative initiatives.

Transactions

• Monitor cardholder activity to ensure compliance with University policies and applicable regulations.
• Conduct regular audits and transaction reviews to detect and address potential misuse or fraud.

Analysis & Reporting

• Perform complex program analysis, reconciliations, and research.
• Generate and distribute reports and analytics on procurement card usage for internal stakeholders and external auditors.
• Use data insights to identify opportunities for improvement and inform strategic decision-making.
• Use data insights to effectively collaborate with Accounts Payable, Procurement, and unit/departmental staff to promote efficient and compliant purchasing practices.

Training

• Contribute to communication efforts including forms, newsletters, procurement strategies, website content, information sessions, and training materials.
• Designs and delivers training and support to program participants.

Supervision

• Supervise the Corporate Card Analyst.
• Assign tasks, oversee progress, and provide strategic direction and feedback.
• Manage hiring, develop training plans, and conduct performance evaluations.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills) Identify the minimum qualifications required to successfully perform the job. Qualifications include education, experience, specialized knowledge, professional certification.

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.
• Solid understanding of procurement and payment processes, strategies, and systems.
• Analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Capacity to multitask, work independently, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to learn and apply University policies and procedures appropriately.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• Experience working at a higher education institution.
• Proficiency with PeopleSoft Financials or similar enterprise system
• Experience working with procurement card and accounting systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate effectively.
• Strong program and process improvement experience and mindset.
  
  

Target hiring range for this position will be between $70,017-$96,367 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.