Job Number: 2025-48802
Category:Maintenance and Facilities
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift:Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Business Unit:UMass Chan Medical School
Department:School - Power Plant-Operations - W843010
Job Type:Full-Time
Union Code:Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Nov. 5, 2025
Work Location:100% Onsite
Salary Minimum:USD $80,000.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum:USD $95,000.00/Yr.
Apply
Refer a Friend
Back
Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing (Power Plant)
Job Number: 2025-48802
Category:Maintenance and Facilities
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift:Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Business Unit:UMass Chan Medical School
Department:School - Power Plant-Operations - W843010
Job Type:Full-Time
Union Code:Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Nov. 5, 2025
Work Location:100% Onsite
Salary Minimum:USD $80,000.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum:USD $95,000.00/Yr.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Sr. Director, Facilities Administration and Operations the Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing – Power Plant will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the contracts and procurement activities for the Power Plant team. Provides general direction to and review of staff in the finance and accounting area within the context and approval of university standards. Position will be responsible for preparing compliance reports to local, state and Federal agencies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Partners with vendors and suppliers to provide existing & planned purchase commitments that support the operations of the Power Plant to maintain operating budget compliance.
- Supports the drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing agreements with suppliers. Including master service agreements, statements of work, amendments, and the review, preparation, & analysis of requests for proposals (RFPs).
- Manages a portfolio of supplier agreements, while maintaining supplier relations and adhering to UPST policies and guidelines; including negotiating price discounts on proposed volume and monitoring supplier performance to ensure products are of appropriate quality and delivered in timely manner.
- Leads the activities related to supplier contracts & procurement, while supporting finance in inventory control & management efforts.
- Responsible for the Power Plant inventory month end related close process and related activities.
- Identifies and evaluates fundamental areas for improvement to support efforts of streamlining operations and improving reporting to senior leadership. Directs development and implementation of appropriate value-added new systems and policies.
- Develops and maintains strategic relationships within UMass Chan Medical School to maximize system efficiencies.
- Maintains effective communication and relationships internally and externally on behalf of UMass Chan Medical School.
- Maintains up to date knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
- Provides technical guidance to department personnel.
- Performs additional job-related duties as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Requires a bachelors degree discipline with a minimum 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent, including management experience.
- PeopleSoft experience preferred.
- Experience in working with inventory management systems, inventory and manufacturing experience required.
- Prior experience of working successfully in a supervisory/management role required. Demonstrated success in managing staff performance. Ability to motivate staff to work effectively and hold staff accountable to individual and departmental goals.
- Excellent critical thinking, time management and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and consistently meet deadlines.
- Possesses strong attention to detail, ability to maintain accurate records and excellent proofreading skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with others internally (up, down, and laterally) and externally to the organization.
- Requires ability to work flexible and, at times, extended hours to meet the business needs.
Posting Disclaimer:
This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution.
In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement). At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience. We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams.
Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role.
In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan.
UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Freqently Asked Questions
The Associate Director plays a critical role in negotiating supplier agreements, securing price discounts based on volume, and ensuring timely delivery of quality products. These efforts directly support maintaining the power plant’s operating budget within compliance, optimizing cost-effectiveness, and strengthening vendor partnerships.
Unlike standard procurement roles, this position demands strategic oversight of contracts and supplier portfolios specific to power plant operations, alongside compliance reporting and inventory close processes. The role blends tactical sourcing with leadership duties, reflecting Worcester’s industrial maintenance nuances and regulatory environment.
Applicants should emphasize management experience, familiarity with inventory and manufacturing systems, proficiency with tools like PeopleSoft, and strong communication skills. Demonstrating the ability to lead teams, negotiate complex contracts, and improve operational workflows will set candidates apart.
Working 100% onsite in Worcester means navigating a local supply ecosystem with regional vendor dynamics and compliance standards. The role requires adapting sourcing strategies to local market conditions while fostering face-to-face partnerships and ensuring uninterrupted power plant operations.
Worcester’s competitive maintenance and facilities market supports salaries ranging from $80,000 to $95,000 annually for senior sourcing roles. Demand for candidates with technical and managerial expertise in this region justifies compensation within this bracket, reflecting local cost of living and specialized skill requirements.
UMass Medical School provides a dynamic academic and operational environment where strategic sourcing impacts critical infrastructure like the power plant. The role benefits from comprehensive total rewards, including retirement plans and healthcare coverage, fostering long-term career growth within a prestigious institution.
Collaboration with finance, inventory control, and power plant operations is vital. The Associate Director leads contract management while aligning procurement strategies with internal teams to streamline processes, improve reporting, and implement value-added policies that bolster overall facility performance.
Many assume the role is purely administrative procurement; however, it involves strategic supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, compliance oversight, and leadership of finance-related inventory activities. It’s a multifaceted position requiring both technical and managerial acumen.
This role serves as a stepping stone to senior leadership positions, such as Senior Director of Facilities or Chief Procurement Officer. Demonstrated success in contract management, team leadership, and operational improvements can unlock broader strategic roles across healthcare or educational institutions.
Find The Related Jobs
American Economic Association
Associate Director of Research
Newton, MA
American Economic Association
Associate Director of Research
Waltham, MA
American Economic Association
Associate Director of Research
Melrose, MA
American Economic Association
Associate Director of Research
Cambridge, MA
American Economic Association
Associate Director of Research
Malden, MA
American Economic Association
Associate Director of Research
Brookline, MA
Jobseekers are also searching for