Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
 

The Office of Procurement and Contracts provides CPS schools with the best options for purchasing the highest quality goods and services at the best price.  The team works with schools, departments, vendors, and business stakeholders to provide goods and services of the highest quality and value for the district. We are dedicated to meeting our goal through competitive pricing while adhering to relevant laws, Board of Education rules, policies, and procedures.

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Director of Procurement Category Management and in close partnership with related user departments, the Category Manager will develop a professional approach for sourcing in order to generate significant savings while maintaining or improving the level of service and will ensure the District is not exposed to undue risks due to non-compliance of the supply chain, responsibility, and unethical behavior. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Category Manager will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Proactively manage assigned categories, develop short and long-term sourcing strategies; Proactively manage sourcing plans to achieve deliverables against milestones

• Supervise, develop, and manage the performance of a team of buyers 

• Identify suppliers, solicit and review contracts, and analyze prices; Perform spend, contract, and market analysis

• Lead negotiations with suppliers to ensure the best quality, service, and cost is met to achieve business objectives

• Partner with stakeholders in development and launch of procurement strategy timelines, cost and quality goals, and service level to customers; Communicate sourcing decisions to stakeholders and complete necessary system updates

• Ensure a competitive sourcing environment leading to continuous improvement

• Maintain knowledge of market trends including analysis of market drivers, cost structures and technical improvements

• Generate materials in support of vendor presentations, workshops, and negotiations

• Provide necessary inputs to support contract management and monitor compliance; Establish and manage performance and relationships with key suppliers

• Other duties and workstreams as assigned 

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Category Manager must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university, required; Focus in Business Administration, Supply Chain or related field of study, preferred

• Certified Public Procurement Buyer or Officer, preferred 

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of (5) years of procurement/supply chain experience in a leading private or public organization  

• Experience using Oracle is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong expertise in procurement and supply chain best practices and regulatory environments

• Ability to quickly learn and apply relevant CPS policies, procedures, and systems

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with great attention to detail 

• Negotiation and influencing skills 

• Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including external partners, to ensure the entire system operates in the most effective manner possible to support schools and principals 

• Ability to interface with a wide variety of business situations and all levels of management, trade groups, conventions, etc. 

• Excellent communication (speaking - including presentations - listening, and writing) and interpersonal skills 

• Problem solving and decision making skills 

• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, and ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) 

• Strong leadership and team building skills, e.g. ability to develop high performing teams united around a clear vision for serving schools and achieving student success 

• Knowledge of operations, budget/finance, management, and organizational development 

• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps
   

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

• Medical Plan Options

• Pharmacy

• Dental

• Vision

• Behavioral Health & EAP

• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

• Basic Life Insurance

• Life and Disability Insurance

• Pension Plans

• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

• Paid Leave

• Sick Leave

• Vacation Days

• Parental Leaves

• Short-Term Disability

• Religious Holidays

• Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.