Procurement Manager I

Procurement Manager I

Trident Technical College is seeking a strategic and customer-focused Procurement Manager I to support procurement operations within the Division of Finance and Business Affairs. This position plans, directs, coordinates, and conducts complex procurement activities for assigned goods, services, and information technology purchases in support of institutional operations and workforce development initiatives. The Procurement Manager serves as a lead procurement professional and provides expert guidance to departments throughout the procurement lifecycle.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and coordinate complex procurement activities for assigned institutional programs, departments, and functional areas in accordance with the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code, applicable regulations, and College procedures.
• Provide strategic acquisition planning and procurement guidance to campus stakeholders, ensuring compliance, transparency, and stewardship of public resources.
• Plan and direct daily and long-range procurement functions, including strategic sourcing initiatives, recurring procurement schedules, and project-based purchasing activities.
• Conduct market research, analyze spending trends, identify cost-saving opportunities, and develop sourcing strategies that improve operational efficiency and minimize risk.
• Prepare and manage formal and informal solicitations, including requests for quotations, invitations for bids, and requests for proposals. Develop specifications, conduct pre-bid conferences and site visits, evaluate supplier responses, negotiate contracts, and award contracts.
• Monitor supplier performance and contract compliance, resolve contract issues, negotiate contract modifications, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Provide leadership, technical guidance, and mentoring to procurement staff, project teams, and campus stakeholders.
• Develop and recommend procurement policies, procedures, and process improvements that enhance compliance, efficiency, and customer service.
• Support the College's e-procurement platform, conduct purchasing card transactions in accordance with College policy, respond to stakeholder inquiries, and maintain productive relationships with vendors, faculty, staff, and governmental officials. Perform other duties as assigned.

This position requires a bachelor's degree and experience in procurement and contracts.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree and progressively responsible experience in public-sector procurement, contract administration, strategic sourcing, or purchasing operations.
• Experience working within higher education, government, or other regulated procurement environments.
• Experience leading complex solicitations, contract negotiations, supplier management, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Knowledge of procurement management principles, contract administration, strategic sourcing, inventory and supply management, and industry best practices.
• Knowledge of the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code and applicable procurement regulations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to evaluate complex situations and recommend effective solutions.
• Ability to identify and analyze factors related to contract awards and supplier selection.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong customer service orientation, attention to detail, and commitment to ethical procurement practices.
• Ability to work independently, exercise considerable discretion and professional judgment, maintain confidentiality, and successfully manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid South Carolina driver's license and ability to travel as needed