Position Title: Director, Purchasing

Department: Purchasing

Advertised Pay: Low $80K

Campus Location: Washburn University

The screening committee continues to accept and screen applications until interviews are scheduled or the position is filled. 

Position Summary: The Director of Purchasing is responsible for managing the University Purchasing department for all campuses. The position communicates purchasing policies/procedures and prepares purchasing reports.

Essential Functions:
• Plan, develop, and direct processes and procedures for procuring materials, equipment, and services at Washburn University to ensure optimal pricing for University purchases. Review, assess, approve, or reject purchasing requests per University regulations and procedures and issue purchase orders as required.
• Develop and apply measurable performance metrics for all levels of procurement activities; compile and assess data relative to University purchases; and develop needs analyses and long-range purchasing plans to simplify and standardize services and reduce procurement costs.
• Work with University department representatives to identify needs and specifications. Review and analyze procurement contracts to verify accuracy and ensure the appropriateness of purchases; approve/sign contracts as authorized or forward for University Counsel and Vice President for Administration and Treasure review and approval. Work with vendors to clarify contract terms or resolve discrepancies as identified.
• Lead Request for Proposal (RFP)/Request for Quote (RFQ) processes to optimize purchasing costs and materials/services quality for the University while ensuring that all bids receive fair and equitable consideration during review.
• Provide leadership and direction to University departments/administrators in developing specifications for RFPs. Facilitate evaluation of competitive bids, serving as the liaison between the University and vendors to clarify information and answer questions for committees evaluating bids and recommending providers.
• Direct and supervise staff in the Department who assist University staff, faculty, and administrators in making purchases, ensuring all documentation needed is provided, obtaining or using procurement cards, or seeking information to address purchasing-related issues and concerns.
• Interview, select, and recommend hires as vacancies occur. Train staff, monitor and evaluate performance, and provide feedback and support to help employees achieve a high level of performance and productivity. Initiate rewards for outstanding performance or disciplinary measures as indicated.
• As requested, serve on University committees, representing the Purchasing department or Auxiliary Services. Attend conferences, seminars, and trade shows to maintain current knowledge of new products, market trends, and best practices related to procurement. Work with appropriate staff to facilitate the recording and disposal of University property. Develop and nurture working relationships with vendors and suppliers to enhance timely problem resolution and serve as a reference point during research to identify options and prices. Prepare Board of Regent agenda items as required for the Vice President for Administration.
• Provide leadership on averting risk in situations involving purchases/services based on risk/reward to the University.
• Provide training campus-wide, both intermittent and one-on-one with departments and lead staff to provide training.
• Research products, services, and vendors to provide essential information, knowledge, and assistance to university stakeholders and staff during the development of specifications, bids, quotes, RFPs, contract reviews, and regulations as needed.
• Serve as lead on the Contract database.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree
• At least four to five years of professional purchasing, procurement, or closely related experience.
• Proven Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, adapt to change, and work effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Purchasing experience at a college/university or other public entity.
• Master's Degree.
• Three or more years of supervisory experience.
• Experience using an extensive integrated ERP System such as Banner or PeopleSoft, etc.

Full-time, Exempt, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm   
Background Check Required