Senior Purchasing Specialist performs a variety of purchasing, sourcing, contracting and other duties for the University including the purchase of general consumables as required by University departments to maintain a constant flow of materials and supplies to assigned areas on and off campus. The Senior Purchasing Specialist will also work as a mentor for the other Purchasing Specialists within the Purchasing Services department.

Essential Duties AND Responsibilities

As a Senior Purchasing Specialist, this role will routinely receive, review, and process purchase requisitions for goods and services related to their assigned commodities; in doing so, the individual in this role will be responsible for determining the appropriate and necessary actions required for the acquisition of such goods and services. From time to time, this may involve the management of bidding events, to include: preparation of solicitation documents (IFB, RFP, RFQ, RFI), issuance or posting of the solicitation, review and tabulation of responses received, and posting of bid awards.
The Senior Purchasing Specialist will be responsible for accurately issuing purchase orders up to $250,000 in value for required goods and services. In an effort to ensure that the University is obtaining the maximum value on each procurement dollar, the Senior Purchasing Specialist will be responsible for promoting the University's values related to purchasing. This work involves managing all procedural aspects of procurement activities within State and Federal laws, North Carolina Division of Purchase & Contract rules and regulations, as well as University policies and procedures.
Regular communication with internal and external customers and stakeholders will be required, as needed. This may involve negotiation between parties, verification of the availability of funds, advising management on proper procedures, and providing input into sourcing opportunities.
Additionally, the Senior Purchasing Specialist may be tasked in assisting with auxiliary functions, such as Purchasing Card activities and eProcurement System Support testing and development. This position reviews all procurement processes - including eProcurement system processes - and works with appropriate team members to develop, automate, and enhance processes.

Desired Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience:

A Bachelors degree, or Associates degree and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from an appropriately accredited institution.
Previous accounting, purchasing, business, computer training combined with data entry experience or formal training would provide the skill base necessary in order to learn the job. At least one year of prior experience in a purchasing role for a higher education University or College preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

1604-B Lowery Street, Room 108

Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm (or as needed in order to get the work accomplished)

Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree with an emphasis in Business or Accounting preferred, or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Two years of experience in procurement is preferred, preferably in the public sector, with specific experience in the preparation of solicitations for the purchase of commodities and services, and in using automated procurement procedures.
Experience in working with Facilities Operations or Information Technology Services commodities is desired.
Professional Certification by a recognized organization preferred, including: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Management (CPM), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB).
Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal skills are required.
Computer literacy is required.

Please Note: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position. Your application for the position will not be complete until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.