Carnegie Mellon University’s Finance Division provides financial management, enterprise planning and stewardship in support of education, research and strategic goals of the university. By providing data analytics, insight, and analysis, we assist leadership and the university community in the financial decisions that fulfill its mission while maintaining a position of financial strength.

The Assistant Vice President of Procurement and Payments provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization's procurement and accounts payable functions. This role is responsible for developing and implementing policies, processes, and systems to optimize supplier relationships, ensure cost-effective procurement practices, and streamline accounts payable operations. This position ensures effective financial operations, compliance with internal controls, industry best practices, and leads Carnegie Mellon through the continuously evolving regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement and organizational excellence.

Carnegie Mellon's faculty, staff, and students work together to change the world, and the procurement and accounts payable teams enables them to purchase and pay for the goods and services they need to advance the strategic goals and mission of the university. We are committed to providing our buying and paying community with the information, processes, and tools to make effective buying and paying decisions while meeting its compliance obligations.

Core responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for a streamlined procurement and accounts payable organization and systems, aligned with organizational goals.
• Ensure compliance considerations are integrated into strategic planning and operational execution, minimizing risks and aligning with evolving regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with leadership across campus departments to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with business needs, efficient payment processing and effective supplier management.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to integrate university policies, compliance and accounting standards to maintain integrity and efficiency of the overall global procure to pay model.
• Proficient and demonstrated in data analytics, leverage advanced tools and methodologies to extract insights, identify trends, monitor performance, and make data informed, data driven decisions in procurement and accounts payable processes, driving efficiency and value.

Procurement Management

• Seeks to enhance procurement services using technology and relationship building in order to facilitate efficiency and ease of use for campus stakeholders.
• Oversee procurement activities, including vendor sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management and purchase order management, ensuring cost-effective and ethical practices.
• Develop and enforce procurement policies, ensuring alignment with legal, compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Lead initiatives to enhance cost savings, supplier diversity, and sustainable procurement practices.
• Implement and optimize procurement systems and tools to enhance efficiency, data analytics capabilities, and decision-making.
• Use data analytics to evaluate supplier performance, identify cost-saving as well as rebate opportunities, and optimize procurement strategies.
• Oversees university purchasing card program to meet the needs of the campus and complies with associated policies.
• Oversee the travel and expense management process. 
• Identify and implement procurement technology solutions to enhance operations and analytics capabilities.
• Knowledge federal regulations inclusive of OMB 2 CFR 200, and FAR/DFARS and is responsible for associated regulations and reporting.

Accounts Payable Management

• Direct accounts payable operations to ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments.
• Implement systems and workflows to improve efficiency, mitigate risks, and improve accuracy. 
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, tax codes, and internal controls related to accounts payable.
• Lead efforts to automate and digitize accounts payable processes.

Financial Oversight and Risk Management

• Work with the finance team to develop budgets, forecasts, and financial analyses related to procurement and accounts payable.
• Manage risk by implementing strategies to reduce fraud, improve contract terms, and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, audit requirements, and applicable laws, Uniform Guidance and federal, state and local regulations.

Team Development and Leadership

• Motivate and lead high-performing (multimodal) teams to ensure commitments are met and organizational support is maintained.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the department, and with university partners.
• Provide mentoring and career development opportunities for team members.  Inspiring groups to maintain the highest quality and service.  Providing training and coaching as needed.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners.
• Providing strategic leadership and guidance to the campus partners and university leadership.

The key competencies for a successful candidate include strategic thinking, financial acumen, operational excellence, leadership and team building, project management, collaborative approach, and change management. 

You should demonstrate:

• Comprehensive understanding of procurement best practices, sourcing strategies, and vendor management.
• Expertise in accounts payable processes, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans and lead large-scale initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.  Technology oriented and demonstrated experience in various forms of payment technologies.
• Proficiency in procurement and financial systems (e.g., ERP platforms, e-invoicing software, eProcurement, Payment Works).
• Exceptional communication skills, interpersonal skills, diplomacy and the ability to interact and build trusted relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Finance Division.  Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, accounts payable, or related financial operations, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in leading procurement strategies, optimizing accounts payable operations, and implementing compliance frameworks while achieving measurable outcomes in cost savings, efficiency, and risk mitigation.
• Proven track record of driving process improvements and delivering results through data-driven decision-making.
• Experience working with and implementing payment or procurement systems such as PaymentWorks or EProcurement is a plus.
• Working in a decentralized and complex research environment navigating diverse stakeholders, interdisciplinary collaborations, and dynamic priorities with adaptability, strategic coordination, and effective communication is required.

Requirements:

• Successful background check
   

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.
• Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in office presence 2 days a week.