Position Summary

The Procurement Professional IV serves as a senior-level expert and strategic leader for the university’s most complex, high-risk, and high-value procurements. Working independently with a high degree of autonomy, this position oversees campus-wide and multi-departmental sourcing initiatives, develops long-term and system-impacting contracts, and provides expert guidance on procurement strategy and best practices. The role partners closely with senior leadership, campus stakeholders, and external suppliers to shape procurement solutions that align with institutional priorities, regulatory requirements, and financial stewardship. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to influence policy, lead transformative projects, and drive value across the university and CSU system.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the university’s most complex procurements, including large-scale, long-term, and high-risk contracts impacting multiple departments or campuses.
• Strategically source and negotiate contracts, integrating market research, supplier performance analysis, and total cost of ownership considerations.
• Provide expert guidance on procurement policies, legislative mandates, and systemwide initiatives, ensuring full compliance and risk mitigation.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies, process improvements, and training programs for campus and external stakeholders.
• Provide lead work direction, mentorship, and technical expertise to procurement professionals while supporting audits and continuous improvement efforts.

Why Join Us?

• Serve as a trusted procurement expert influencing campus-wide and system-level initiatives.
• Lead high-impact projects that shape the university’s long-term procurement strategy and financial sustainability.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, systemwide partners, and external suppliers on complex, strategic engagements.
• Apply advanced analytical, negotiation, and leadership skills in a dynamic public higher education environment.

Join a professional procurement organization committed to integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. 
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. 
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.  
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 2 days per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

Financial Operations is responsible for the financial and budgetary controls and procedures of San Diego State University (the University) and is directly responsible to the Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs. The Associate Vice President for Financial Operations has responsibility for Budget and Finance, Procure-to-Pay, Audit and Continuous Improvement, Shared Services, and the University Controller's Office, which includes Accounting Services, Financial Reporting, Financial Systems Management and Analysis, the SDSUcard Office, and Student Account Services.

The Procure-to-Pay department is responsible for delivering end to end procure to pay services and solutions, including leading continuous improvement initiatives in collaboration with the department of Shared Services. Responsibilities include a wide range of contract and procurement management and accounts payable functions.

The Contract and Procurement Management office is responsible for contract administration and procurement processes for San Diego State University, including the Imperial Valley campus.  Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director, Contract and Procurement Management, our mission is to respond to the needs of multiple faculty and staff clients and comply with State legislated purchasing mandates and campus policy. The Contract and Procurement Management office is a fully automated, large-scale unit and encompasses a wide variety of functions from contract and lease negotiations, basic purchasing services of equipment, supplies, materials, and professional services to contracting capital and minor construction projects.  Contract and Procurement Management consists of 8-10 buyers, a Contracts Administration Manager, a Contracts Management Manager, and an Associate Director.  

For more information regarding Financial Operations, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Professional certifications in procurement may be required for some positions.

Key Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of University policies, State Statutes and Codes, and procedures for the procurement of commodities and services.  
• Knowledge of information technology and software requirements; application of any governmental requirements or regulations; working knowledge of Oracle.
• Procurement program certification such as NIGP-CPP, CPPM, CPM, etc., is desired.  
• Deep understanding of public procurement frameworks, including statutes, regulations, policies, contract law, supply-chain management, and a range of contract delivery and administration methods.
• Experience with financial and analytical techniques such as cost and price analysis, total cost of ownership, benchmarking, forecasting, and spend analysis to evaluate value, reduce costs, and assess vendor financial stability.
• Leads end-to-end procurement activities by shaping solicitations and scopes of work, evaluating bids and proposals, negotiating complex contract terms, and exercising impartial judgment in award decisions.
• Manages multiple high-complexity initiatives simultaneously, leveraging strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills to deliver results on time, within budget, and in alignment with university objectives.
• Completion of some professional procurement certification is preferred. Completion of a university level Extended Studies Certificate in procurement, contract management, supply management or equivalent course of study is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 12 ($8,291) for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,668 – $9,714 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

This position is open to SDSU employees only. Apply by February 26, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Sophia Faulk at srfaulk@sdsu.edu.