Procurement Operations Analyst

Rice University is hiring a Procurement Operations Analyst to lead procurement analytics, reporting, business intelligence, and continuous improvement. The role also supports procurement operations across the lifecycle, strategic sourcing initiatives, and data-driven decision-making through technology and process optimization.

What you'll do:

• Develop, maintain, and enhance procurement dashboards, scorecards, KPI reporting, and operational metrics
• Collect, analyze, and interpret procurement, supplier, and operational data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement
• Develop ad hoc analyses and reports to support leadership decision-making
• Transform data into meaningful insights and recommendations through effective data visualization and storytelling
• Lead procurement performance measurement, reporting, and business intelligence initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, workflows, stakeholder experiences, and operational efficiency
• Support ERP optimization efforts and procurement technology initiatives
• Evaluate, pilot, and leverage digital, automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve reporting, productivity, stakeholder experience, and business outcomes
• Identify, recommend, and implement opportunities to automate reporting, streamline workflows, and improve data quality across procurement processes
• Analyze and document business processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience
• Participate in cross-functional projects supporting continuous improvement and organizational objectives
• Develop presentations, executive summaries, dashboards, and procurement business reviews for leadership and stakeholders

What they're looking for:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on a year-for-year basis, may be substituted
• One or more (1+) years of experience in procurement, supply chain, business analytics, operations, financial analysis, or a related field
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, interpret, analyze, and present data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and support business decision-making
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving, and process improvement capabilities
• Strong customer service orientation with a positive attitude and sense of urgency
• Ability to translate complex information into meaningful reports, visualizations, and actionable recommendations
• Ability to develop and present dashboards, scorecards, KPI reporting, and data visualizations that support decision-making
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to maintain a high level of performance and consistently meet commitments

Benefits:

• Hybrid role (minimum of 2 days in the office per week); work arrangements may be subject to change per Rice policy 440.