CURRENT JOB POSTING: VP, SOURCING STRATEGY & PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION

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At E&I Cooperative Services, we’re transforming how educational institutions procure the goods and services they need to thrive. With over 6,000 member institutions, we harness the power of cooperative purchasing to help schools and universities save time, reduce costs, and reinvest in their core missions. Backed by more than 90 years of experience and a trusted brand, we now operate with the energy of a high-growth startup—launching innovative technology, data, and service solutions to meet the evolving needs of the education sector.

As our VP, Sourcing Strategy & Performance Optimization, you will lead enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives that drive measurable value for our members. You’ll shape sourcing strategy, optimize operations, and guide cross-functional teams to deliver cost savings, efficiency, and compliance—strengthening procurement outcomes across member institutions.

Are you energized by leading complex sourcing transformations, building high-performing teams, and optimizing operations? If you’re excited by the opportunity to influence strategy, drive continuous improvement, and make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven organization, we’d love for you to join our growing team and help shape the future of sourcing for education.

What Makes E&I Unique

• Mission-Driven Impact: At E&I, your work directly supports the success of educational institutions nationwide, from universities to K-12 schools.
• Growth Culture: We are passionate about the power of culture to create conditions for excellence. We believe in the power of linking arms and lifting each other up in pursuit of common objectives. And we invest heavily in the personal and professional development of every single member of our team.
• The Best of All Worlds: We’re ninety years old - but act like a startup. We’re a non-profit cooperative - with a high-growth enterprise mindset. We work hard – and play hard. We love success - but reward failure that comes from bold ideas and big swings. We combine tradition with innovation, passion with purpose, and ambition with heart.

What You Will Do

Reporting to Peter Ucovich, Chief Product & Sourcing Officer), as the VP, Sourcing Strategy & Performance Optimization you will be the strategic leader responsible for driving strategic sourcing and enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, streamline procurement processes, and deliver measurable value and impact of the sourcing organization for E&I’s members. This role leads cross-functional teams, develops category management and supplier relationship management protocols, optimizes sourcing operations, and ensures alignment with organizational goals for contract optimization, cost savings, compliance, and innovation. The position will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to identify opportunities, implement best practices, and deliver impactful sourcing solutions.

How You Will Do It

Team Leadership & Collaboration (40%)

• Assist in building and leading a high-performing team of sourcing professionals and associated team members.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development to all sourcing team members.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with category managers, analysts, and business units to ensure alignment and execution of sourcing strategies.

Strategic Leadership & Special Projects (30%)

• Lead and execute high-impact sourcing and procurement projects across categories and business units related to sourcing and category management.
• Partner with executive leadership to identify and prioritize strategic sourcing initiatives that support enterprise goals.
• Develop and implement a supplier relationship process that is scalable for the E&I organization.
• Serve as a change agent for procurement transformation, including digital enablement, automation, and process redesign.
• Develop and manage project roadmaps, timelines, and KPIs for special initiatives.
• Act as a liaison between sourcing, operations, finance, and legal to ensure project alignment and success.

Operational Excellence (30%)

• Design and implement sourcing process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance stakeholder satisfaction.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and dashboards to track sourcing performance and compliance.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts, including supplier performance management, contract lifecycle optimization, and spend analytics for SRM category management.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field; MBA preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain, within corporate environments, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional sourcing projects and driving operational improvements.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Experience with procurement technologies (e.g., eProcurement, contract management systems).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel nationally up to 25%.
  
  

Call To Action

If you’re ready to bring your skills or values to a mission that matters and create a meaningful impact together, we’d love to hear from you. 
 

Use the "Apply Now" button on our careers page and submit your resume and a cover letter specifying your salary expectations.  All submissions will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality. 

E&I is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunities for employment and advancement without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.