Business Operations Specialist, Hospitality & Campus Services

University of New Hampshire

16d

About The Position

The Business Operations Specialist provides essential operational, financial, and administrative support for the $50 million portfolio within Hospitality and Campus Services (HCS). Reporting to the Executive Director for HCS, this position manages financial reporting, purchasing, contract oversight, vendor relations, compliance processes, and asset administration across multiple units including Dining, Conferences & Catering, ID Office, Parking, Transportation, and Print & Mail Services. The Specialist serves as a key liaison with USNH Procurement, General Accounting, the CFO Office, and third-party vendors to ensure accurate revenue distribution, contract integrity, and adherence to UNH, USNH, and state/federal policies. This role requires strong analytical ability, financial acumen, attention to detail, and the capacity to support complex operational systems that enable HCS units to meet performance, compliance, and service goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or a related field, with three years of related experience. Additional advanced degrees or certifications may substitute year-for-year for required experience.
Experience in financial analysis, business operations, or administrative support functions.
Strong financial and analytical skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and KPI analysis.
Knowledge of purchasing processes, contract management, and vendor relations.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage complex operational systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-departmental collaboration.
Ability to interpret and apply institutional policies, procurement rules, and financial guidelines.
Proficiency with financial systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in higher education or public-sector financial operations.
Familiarity with UNH/USNH systems such as USHOP, Cat’s Cache, Blackboard, and other auxiliary service platforms.
Experience with RFP development and vendor negotiations.
Understanding of grant compliance, auxiliary business operations, or capital project workflows.

Responsibilities

Manage weekly and monthly financial reporting for all HCS units, including KPIs, Monthly P&L statements, weekly meal plan sales, and labor/revenue performance reporting.
Conduct regular financial reviews with HCS unit leaders and provide financial analysis to support decision-making.
Work closely with leadership to support the annual budget development and financial projection process for HCS.
Assist departments in achieving budgeted performance through analysis, forecasting, and recommendations.
Liaison with the CFO Office to support complex compliance reporting (e.g., State of NH Meals & Use, UBIT) and operational accounting needs.
Manage and direct all purchasing activities for HCS in collaboration with USNH Procurement.
Develop specifications, draft bid documents, and administer purchasing processes for major contracts and one-time purchases.
Manage non-capital equipment purchasing and ensure budget adherence across units.
Lead RFP processes for HCS, including drafting, evaluating submissions, and participating in systemwide purchasing initiatives.
Oversee compliance with contract terms for assigned vendors, including campus vending, bookstore operations, beverage partners, Dunkin’, food carts, and others.
Serve as intermediary between HCS staff and Procurement; negotiate pricing, rebate programs, and resolve vendor or product issues.
Maintain all USHOP processes including blanket POs and unique purchase order needs.
Oversee contract management for the UNH Bookstore (Barnes & Noble), including: Cost-reduction and Inclusive Access strategies Customer service escalations Merchandise and emblematic sales performance Commission and performance tracking
Oversee and support the 10 sub-systems that manage HCS revenue including Blackboard, Cat’s Cache, and related platforms.
Ensure accurate revenue distribution and reconciliation for meal plans, dining dollars, and system transactions.
Coordinate system corrections, workflow improvements, and operational support with USNH General Accounting.
Assist with grant-related compliance and execution in partnership with STAR and unit leaders.
Ensure processes and documentation meet UNH/USNH and federal/state compliance requirements.
Participate on capital project teams supporting major repairs and renovations.
Assist with planning, procurement, and contract processes for engaging architects, engineers, and construction teams.
Provide progress updates to leadership and maintain project-related documentation.
Support other duties and operational needs as assigned.