Purchasing Specialist

Position Overview Purchasing Specialist II – Finance Operations Center, Controller's Office, University of Minnesota. Responsible for receiving, evaluating, processing, and coordinating a variety of requests for complex purchasing services for a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs). Works with FinOps teams, university stakeholders, and external suppliers to ensure appropriate and timely support. Work Environment Hybrid position based on the Twin Cities campus. Minimum of three days per week in the office is expected for metro-area employees. Candidates near other UMN system campuses within Minnesota are also considered. Occasional travel to Twin Cities campus may be required. Out‑of‑state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense. Job Responsibilities Purchasing (70%) Under moderate supervision, enter data into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) for purchasing functions following university standard processes and procedures. Understand and apply university purchasing policies and procedures to various scenarios. Conduct research on potential vendors, solicit quotes, analyze responses, and present results for purchases under the formal bidding threshold. Identify when legal terms and conditions apply and ensure contracts are routed to OGC for review. Collect and draft documentation to support complex purchases and new or changed suppliers. Enter and monitor requisitions to ensure approvals and budget checks have occurred. Apply knowledge of chart of accounts, price reasonableness, competitive sourcing, and policies to ensure cost efficiency. Assess and resolve moderately complex procurement issues, including requisition change orders and PO sourcing and dispatch tracking. Advising departments and FinOps colleagues on appropriate purchasing and payment methods using procure‑to‑pay knowledge. Serve as purchasing subject‑matter expert, facilitating meetings between FinOps technicians, customers, and suppliers to clarify payments, documentation, and policy requirements. Identify opportunities for process improvement. Guide purchases at or above $10,000 up to the formal bidding threshold, ensuring competitive processes are used. Unit Support (15%) Assist strategy of the Finance Operations Center by producing and reviewing supporting financial data. Prepare ad‑hoc financial reports for the purchasing operation and RRC catalog. Participate in the Quality Assurance program by running reports, reviewing transactions, and recommending training or procedural improvements. Design and deliver on‑demand training sessions to FinOps colleagues; mentor new or less experienced team members. Professional Development (10%) Contribute to documentation and training for Finance Operations Center procedures. Participate in cross‑training opportunities to maintain coverage of all functions. Complete professional development, education, and training activities consistent with duties. Engage in staff development including DEI initiatives, professional learning, service and scholarly activity, and well‑being. Model and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture. Other Duties Assigned as needed (5%). Qualifications Required Qualifications BA/BS degree with two+ years of related experience or a combination equal to six+ years. Proficiency with standard technology platforms (word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing). Ability to run reports, clean and analyze data, and present results clearly. Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel. Clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of university purchasing policies and procedures. Experience in a public procurement setting (supplier sourcing, market research, RFPs, sole‑source justification). Experience or certification in formal process improvement methodology. Experience delivering training or teaching in purchasing or related fields. Pay and Benefits Pay Range : $27.93 – $31.45 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience. Time Appointment : 100% Appointment. Position Type : Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor‑Represented Staff. Benefits Competitive wages, paid holidays, generous time off. Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program. Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans. Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. University HSA contributions. Disability and employer‑paid life insurance. Employee well‑being program. Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution. Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity. Financial counseling services. Employee Assistance Program with eight counseling sessions at no cost. Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area. Diversity Statement The University of Minnesota values diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience. We are committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University provides equal access to and opportunity in programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Prospective employees are presumed eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists. Application Process Applications will remain open until the position is filled. Priority will be given to employees within PEAK Phase 3 meeting specific criteria. All other university employees will be reviewed after the 11/21/25 priority date. To apply, submit an online application, upload a cover letter and resume, and attach additional documents as needed. #J-18808-Ljbffr