UC Systemwide Procurement (SWP) is on a continuous improvement journey to transform how it operates. Over the past several years, SWP expanded beyond traditional cost savings to incorporate revenue generation, and boosted compliance to protect UC.
This new approach is already working—together with campuses, SWP delivered more than $400 million in value to the university in FY25. Now, SWP is moving into the next phase with a stronger focus on strategic category management, which drives value through deeper market knowledge and enhanced relationship management.
To enable this evolution, SWP has reorganized the Strategic Sourcing team into the Sourcing and Value Execution Team where the work will be divided into two critical concentrations: Strategic Category Management and Strategic Sourcing Management.
Strategic Category Management
The Strategic Category Management team will be the dedicated category experts, working in concert with data analysts to become masters of specific supplier categories: Life Sciences, IT, Professional Services and Facilities. They’ll partner with stakeholders across the campuses to develop smart, data-driven strategies, and enhanced stakeholder and supplier relationships.
Strategic Sourcing Management
Meanwhile, the Strategic Sourcing Management team will focus on making processes and contract implementations as smooth and efficient as possible. They’ll handle RFPs and contract negotiations, ensuring that campus partners have access to the most comprehensive and valuable contracts possible.
Unlocking more value for UC
By working hand in hand, these two teams will create a better experience for everyone and unlock even more value for UC. Early in 2026, these teams will be developing new processes and systems and prepping to integrate a suite of new technologies to support these big changes. It’s a huge undertaking, but it's a critical step that will increase SWP's abilities to support UC's mission.