CATEGORY MANAGEMENT INTERN, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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Position Base
Oakland

Location
UCOP - Franklin Building

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Systemwide Procurement is the $10B+ procurement and supply chain engine for the University of California system. We collaborate with campus procurement leaders to design and execute systemwide sourcing strategies that leverage UC's scale to optimize spend, elevate service quality, and drive measurable social and environmental impact. Our team is redefining how UC acquires goods and services-applying best-in-class category management and sourcing, advancing sustainability, expanding engagement with small and local businesses, investing in leading-edge tools and analytics, and building high-value supplier partnerships for long-term value for the UC system. Recognized nationally as a public procurement leader, UC serves as a cooperative purchasing lead agency, with contracts utilized by more than 7,500 public education and government entities across all 50 states. These organizations rely on UC's expertise, credibility, and economies of scale to maximize value and reduce costs. Systemwide Procurement is a high-performing, strategic organization of about 50 professionals in sourcing and category management, data analytics, procurement technology, communications and operations, committed to a continuous improvement culture. Our work is essential to UC's financial strength and operational excellence, with impact extending statewide and nationally.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Category Management Intern will support the Professional Services team within Systemwide Procurement at UCOP, gaining hands-on experience in supply chain strategy, category management, and competitive sourcing. This internship is designed to provide exposure to the end-to-end category management process, including market research, supplier segmentation, business case development, and stakeholder presentations. The intern will contribute to real-world projects supporting a Financial Consulting Request for Proposal (RFP) and the development of a Marketing and Fundraising sub-category strategy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the Professional Services Category Management team in the development of a Consulting Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Conduct market research related to the Marketing and Fundraising category using existing procurement tools, AI platforms, and online resources
• Assist with researching, segmenting, and analyzing supplier markets to inform sub-category strategy development
• Develop presentation materials and visual content to communicate research findings and strategic recommendations
• Use Excel and other analytical tools to organize, analyze, and summarize data
• Collaborate with procurement staff to refine insights and prepare materials for leadership review

Learning Objectives (Internship Focus)

• Understand how supply chain and category management strategies are developed and implemented
• Learn how market forces impact procurement decisions and supplier strategies
• Gain experience conducting market research and supplier analysis using both traditional tools and AI-enabled resources
• Develop skills in building a business case and translating data into clear, compelling presentations
• Learn the fundamentals of running a competitive bid and RFP process
• Gain experience presenting findings and recommendations to senior-level staff within UCOP

Required Qualifications

• Enrollment as an upper-division undergraduate or graduate student at a University of California campus
• Coursework in business administration, communications, or a related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to learn new systems and tools quickly
• Proficiency with standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools)
• Ability to use excel or willingness to learn pivot tables, Canva/PowerPoint, presentation skills, research and critical thinking skills, understanding of best way to query using ChatGPT or Gemini
• Interest in supply chain management or operations-related career paths

Preferred Qualifications

Education

High school graduate and/or equivalent experience/training.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

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

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Stdt 3

Job Code: 004920

Salary Grade: 3

Salary: $20.00 - $25.00/hr, 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 March 13, 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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