Procurement Specialist

Position Summary The Procurement Specialist serves a critical role in achieving the University's tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service. In addition the Procurement Specialist, as a part of Finance and Administration, works to provide exceptional service and stewardship of the University's financial, human and physical resources. To carry out these missions, the Procurement Specialist specializing in purchasing collaborates with campus customers, colleagues within the University and throughout the State of Georgia, and the supplier community to acquire the supplies, equipment, and services needed by the University for teaching, research, and service activities. This work involves excellent communication skills, enthusiastic engagement in partnering with stakeholders to achieve mutual success; active thinking, analysis, problem solving, and evaluation to develop and execute plans; initiative; independent judgment; and a high level of commitment to supporting the University community. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative superior and involves the preparation and review of specifications for both competitive and non-competitive procurements; the receipt and evaluation of bids, proposals, or quotations; review and negotiation of contractual terms and conditions; and ultimately contract creation, execution, and oversight. Performance of these duties necessitates detailed knowledge of State, Regents, and University purchasing policy and procedure. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience Duties and Responsibilities Transactions: Reviews incoming purchase requests to insure specifications and/or descriptions are adequate and properly describe the product or service being purchased. Collaborates with stakeholders and supervisors (as needed) to determine the appropriate procurement plan. Coordinates with the using department to obtain the required administrative information and/or documents necessary for processing the purchase request. Executes procurement plan which may include issuing solicitations (Requests for Information, Qualified Contractors, Qualifications, Quotes, Proposals), reviewing responses, and facilitating awards. Analyzes requests for non-competitive procurements in excess of the competitive bid threshold and conducts necessary due diligence activities. Analyzes a variety of documents obtained from campus customers and suppliers to determine if they meet policy and procedure requirements. Utilizes creative problem solving techniques to bring purchases to completion. Elevates issues to supervisor when additional approvals are needed. Strategic Sourcing: Establish or enable value-generating contracts based upon information/direction from the Sourcing Management Team. Educate campus on the benefits of strategic supplier partnerships and contracts to enhance service and leverage supplier relationships. Based on customer relationships, marketplace knowledge, and understanding of University purchasing practices, develop and submit plans for strategic sourcing opportunities to the Sourcing Management Team. Engagement and Process Improvement: Proactively engages with campus partners and builds positive work relationships with customers to become a trusted adviser. Develops an understanding of customer business requirements and identifies opportunities for business process improvement. Develops plans to capitalize on these opportunities and submits them for approval; implements and assesses effectiveness when approved. Assists and cross‑trains with other Procurement Specialists. Participates in professional development activities to maintain State of Georgia certification and improve service to the University community. Serves on sourcing committees for multi‑institutional agreements. Contract Creation and Oversight: Selects appropriate contract templates, reviews and negotiates contracts and terms and conditions, compiles finalized contract documents, executes contracts, and facilitates loading of contracts into the purchasing system. Serves as lead coordinator of University/Supplier relationship for contracts assigned to the Procurement Specialist, reviews contract utilization, and informs the Sourcing Management Team of contract issues. Analyzes contracts to identify risk exposure, determines if a contract management plan is warranted, and develops or verifies implementation of such plans. Serves as the contract manager, ensuring specific elements of the contract management plan are met. Leads efforts to resolve disputes, including coordination with additional resources. Other duties: Other duties as assigned. Physical Demands Sit, bend, type and communicate via telephone and email. Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (View email address on click.appcast.io). #J-18808-Ljbffr