Strategic Category Mgr II - Scientific/Medical

The Strategic Category Manager II is a professional role with increasing autonomy and experience. This role may oversee the direction of multiple high-spend commodity categories and will lead strategic procurement initiatives. This role will manage high-value contracts and high value supplier accounts. This role requires more advanced data analysis skills and must independently be able to monitor and manage supplier performance and public solicitation events. Role is expected to work with increasing levels of independence by exercising judgement in the direction of the category strategy.

Category Analysis and Direction: 

• Develop and implement strategic plans for assigned commodity category. 

• Identify long-term goals and objectives 

• Conduct market research and data analysis to understand trends and opportunities 

• Assess the feasibility of new procurement initiatives 

• Prepare detailed reports and recommendations for management 

• Source and evaluate potential suppliers by facilitation of public solicitation events or evaluation of public contracts 

• Track category performance through cost avoidance, cost savings and rebate management. 

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management: 

• Establish and maintain strong relationship with key suppliers in the scientific/medical industry. 

• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues or concerns 

• Negotiate favorable agreements focusing on cost savings, cost avoidance and rebates for USF 

• Develop and implement performance metrics for suppliers 

• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback 

• Track contract milestone sand renewal dates

• Act as lead agent for implementation of large programs and add value supplier programs 

Department outreach: 

• Develop relationships with key internal USF clients including faculty and researcher to understand their procurement needs and provide tailored support 

• Act as liaison between stakeholders and procurement and suppliers 

• Participate in outreach activities to promote procurement initiatives 

• Conduct regular business review meetings to gather feedback to improve supplier relationships, procurement processes and identify gaps and opportunities. 

• Provide ongoing education to departments on procurement.

Data analysis and reporting: 

• Use spend data to support strategic decision making and identify gaps and opportunities for strategic sourcing 

• Prepare regular reports on procurement activities and performance for internal and external stakeholders.

• Acts as a process owner for key department functions related to strategic category management. Assumes a lead role in modifying and updating business processes to keep up with industry best practices with the goal of building efficiency, standardization and a best-in class program. 

• Accurately review and process high dollar and category specific requisition (purchase order) requests in the procurement system ensuring that the request contains required backup documentation in compliance with USF and the State of Florida policies related to the purchase of goods and services. Support education by relaying procurement related information and guidance to internal USF clients and assist where appropriate in directly sourcing or providing sourcing guidance to internal clients to obtain quotes. May support evaluation and approval of new supplier requests to ensure requests align with USF strategic goals.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Bachelor's degree and 3 years' procurement, strategic sourcing or contract management experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Preferred Qualifications: 

4-7 years of procurement, strategic sourcing or contract management experience. 
• Experience of working with suppliers in the scientific/medical industry 
• History of increasing workplace responsibility and experience, preferably in an institution of higher education
• CPPB or equivalent certification

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong negotiation and analytical skills
• Knowledge of business best practices, compliance, and procurement practices
• Working knowledge of PowerBI, Tableau, Excel or other data analysis programs

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.