TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

Position Base
Oakland

Location
UCOP - Franklin Building

Department Overview
UC Systemwide Procurement is the procurement/supply chain hub for the University of California system, with over $10 billion in annual spend. We partner with campus procurement offices to develop and implement systemwide supply chain strategies and policies that leverage UC's vast purchasing power to optimize spend and deliver positive social and environmental impact. Systemwide Procurement is transforming how UC purchases goods and services to maximize benefit to the UC system while improving quality and service to our campuses and beyond. We apply best-in-class sourcing methods with emphasis on sustainability and supplier diversity, invest in leading tools and technology, and cultivate strategic supplier partnerships to source the highest quality products and services for the absolute best value. Nationally, UC Procurement is a public procurement role model. As a lead agency for cooperative purchasing, UC contracts are leveraged by over 3,500 public education and government agencies in all 50 states. These organizations depend on and benefit from UC's expertise, knowledge, reputation, and economies of scale to minimize spend and maximize value. UC Systemwide Procurement fosters an environment for continuous improvement and a growth mindset culture. Our team of approximately 50 dedicated professionals is comprised of specialized portfolio sourcing managers, highly skilled data analysts, efficiency-driven business analysts, knowledgeable functional area administrators, and responsive support staff. UC Systemwide Procurement is a high-performing strategic department essential to the financial and operational health of the University of California, with high impact at the state and national levels.

Position Summary
Reporting to Executive Director of Procurement Transformation and Operations/Chief of Staff, the Technical Project Manager is accountable for leading the successful delivery of multiple high-visibility technology projects through their full life cycle, with attention to quality, scope, and timely delivery. These projects could potentially be multi-million-dollar systemwide investments spanning all 10 campuses and occasionally medical centers, labs, and CSU campuses. They require extensive partnership with diverse stakeholders and the ability to balance cross-campus differences. This is a senior position requiring advanced relationship management, facilitation, and leadership skills combined with expert project management capabilities. The Technical Project Manager will resolve highly complex issues with senior and executive leaders through analytics, persuasive presentations, and effective negotiations. In addition to hands-on project management, this role is responsible for helping to continuously improve Systemwide Procurement's project management methodology, frameworks, and templates for use on both technical and non-technical projects. The role will also incorporate emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, into procurement projects, ensuring UC remains at the forefront of innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• 30% Lead end-to-end technical project and program management for high-impact, multi-location technology initiatives as well as integrated project and program management within Systemwide Procurement. Refine, and enforce project management methodologies, tools, and templates as defined by Systemwide Procurement standards. Oversee project phases from initiation through delivery, including requirements, design, integration, testing, change management, communications, risk management, and implementation. Develop and track project plans, schedules, budgets, metrics, and reports.

• 30% Experience working in higher education or other large, decentralized organizations. Demonstrated familiarity with Jaggaer or other Procurement applications. Apply advanced analytics and data-driven insights to resolve complex issues. Prepare executive-level materials and deliver persuasive presentations. Champion adoption of common project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, Smartsheet, ServiceNow, Confluence, Tableau, Power BI) to standardize reporting, collaboration, and portfolio oversight. Experience managing multiple concurrent projects at the program level. Exposure to AI/ML applications in business operations, procurement, or supply chain. Stay current with evolving technologies, including AI/ML applications in procurement, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and integration platforms.

• 20% Demonstrated success in navigating sensitive or politically complex environments with tact and diplomacy. Facilitate decision-making with stakeholders across campuses; align diverse requirements into systemwide solutions. Engage governing bodies and clarify roles/responsibilities for oversight. Build consensus among multiple campuses and functional areas by demonstrating empathy, active listening, and balanced decision-making.

• 20% Experience leading diverse, cross-functional project teams where relationship-building was critical to success. Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and transparency across diverse stakeholder groups. Manage conflict constructively, adapting communication styles to meet the needs of different audiences and perspectives. Support and mentor project team members, encouraging professional growth and effective teamwork.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of Advanced knowledge of project management principles, methods, and tools; Proven success leading large, complex technology projects with multiple stakeholders; Hands-on experience with modern project management and reporting platforms; Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, enterprise applications, and systems integration. The 8 years includes 5 years of demonstrated success in navigating sensitive or politically complex environments with tact and diplomacy, experience leading and working with diverse, cross-functional project teams where relationship-building is critical to success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of Experience working in higher education or other large, decentralized organizations and managing multiple concurrent projects at the program level, familiarity with Jaggaer and UC Procurement applications.

• Minimum 1 year of Exposure to AI/ML applications in business operations, procurement, or supply chain.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Requires basic knowledge of project management principles, theories, and concepts.

• Requires ability to assess campus, medical center or Office of the President needs for information technology products and design services to meet those needs.

• Working knowledge of technology-related initiatives and an understanding of impact to the organization of such initiatives.

• Demonstrated capacity to anticipate obstacles and plan for contingencies. Demonstrated attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to determine relevance and prioritize tasks.

• Demonstrated effective writing skills.

• Broad knowledge of technology-related initiatives and an understanding of impact to the organization of such initiatives.

• Proven leadership ability. Effective problem solving skills. Demonstrated ability to put forth persuasive arguments.

• Demonstrated competency in selecting and implementing project management methods and techniques. Effective skill at tracking effort and project progress. Demonstrated strong conceptual and planning skills to analyze projects of broad and diverse scope. Demonstrated expert organization and project management skills. Understands the cost impact of projects, project tracking tools and metrics.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with executive-level management on a regular basis.

• Experience analyzing highly complex projects with broad impact to the institution. Demonstrated ability to manage project progress within time and budget constraints.

• Ability to work in a highly collaborative manner in order to achieve results that are significant in scope.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present to executives

• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and facilitation skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and organizational levels

• High degree of emotional intelligence: skilled at building relationships, managing conflict, and influencing without authority

Preferred Qualifications

• Experienced mentor and leader of teams with experience leading a team of technology professionals.

• Advanced knowledge of all aspects of computing and communications including hardware infrastructure, networking, software, operations and disaster recovery.

• Has a thorough understanding of how programs relate to other business strategies and initiatives. Demonstrated ability to integrate critical information across disciplines.

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification (e.g., PMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP, CSM).

Licenses and Certifications
Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification preferred.

Travel Requirements
10% Travel to UC campuses as required.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position has been approved for a hybrid work arrangement. The person hired must report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, subject to change. The person hired is required to reside in the State of California.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
Technical Project Mgt Profl 4

Job Code
000522

Salary Grade
Grade 25

Payscale:
$147,000 - $168,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is January 12, 2026. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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