The Purchasing Specialist position is responsible for managing the procurement of assigned commodities, ensuring the best value and quality for our institution. The ideal candidate will have strong research skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This position largely works independently with clients across campus to identify and contract for scientific equipment and supplies, IT hardware, IT Software, offices supplies and office equipment. Provides recommendation on contracts and contract verbiage with vendors. This position will develop and administer request for quotes; request for proposals, and invitation for bids along with processing requisitions and purchase orders. Key Responsibilities: Conduct thorough research on assigned commodities, including gathering descriptive literature and pricing information. Maintain and update contracts in the Contract Tracker system, and develop electronic catalogs to support the university’s mission. Collaborate with departments to understand product applications, make plant visits, and assist in preparing specifications. Refer to the state contract directory to ensure compliance with state contracts, and seek competitive quotes for items not covered. Engage in high-volume daily interactions with colleagues, internal and external stakeholders, educational institutions, state agencies, and vendors. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor’s degree; or Associate’s degree and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience Three or more years of procurement experience The ability to comprehend and interpret NC general statutes as it relates to purchases and contracts Experience using e-procurement systems such as Jaggaer, SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement Cloud, etc. Ability to develop scopes of work for Request for Proposals and/or Invitations for Bid Nationally recognized procurement certification is preferred (i.e., CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, etc.) Required Certifications or Licensures While no certifications or licensures are required at the time of hire, candidates should be prepared to obtain the following within specified timeframes:Within one year of employment: North Carolina Contract Manager certification Within three years of employment, one of the following certifications: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) NIGP-Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit The Purchasing Department plays a crucial role in supporting the University’s educational mission by helping departments acquire high-quality goods and services at the best possible prices and within the required timeframes. Our team is responsible for generating and managing contracts and leases, overseeing asset management from acquisition to disposal, and processing requisitions efficiently while adhering to state purchasing requirements, UNCW policies, and the highest ethical standards. Our primary focus is to meet the needs of the University community. College/ School Information University Information The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking. A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M. B. A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering. The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R 2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969. EEO Statement UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs. Eligibility for Employment Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Number of Openings Single Incumbent Special Notes to Applicants PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59 PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date.

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