Director of Procurement, Contracts, & Distribution Services

UCM • UCMO - Warrensburg, MO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position directs the University's procurement, contract administration, Distribution Services, and outsourced Print & Copy operations. This position also provides strategic leadership for the timely, ethical, compliant, and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services; oversees complex and technical solicitations, including construction and capital projects; manages vendor and contract performance; and leads assigned staff and systems in support of institutional priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or related field required.
• Five (5) years progressively more responsible procurement experience involving electronic bid and contract management, preferably in higher education or the public sector required.
• Two (2) years of management experience required, preferably in procurement.
• Expert knowledge of public procurement principles, procurement regulations, contract administration, and applicable federal and state procurement requirements.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial management, accounting principles, and business operations.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, contract management, and vendor relationship management skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 suite and other procurement-related technology.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and contractual requirements.
• Ability to analyze financial and operational data and develop practical business solutions.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and make independent decisions.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field and/or professional certifications are preferred.
• Construction or capital project procurement experience preferred.
• Experience with modern procurement or sourcing platforms and ERP systems, such as Ionwave, Jaggaer, and Banner or comparable enterprise platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs procurement operations to ensure the timely, ethical, and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services in compliance with applicable federal, state, and University requirements.
• Develops and implements procurement strategies aligned with institutional goals, operational needs, and sound stewardship of University resources.
• Develops and oversees complex and technical competitive solicitations, including Requests for Proposals (RFP), Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Qualifications (RFQ), and construction or capital-project procurements, from planning through contract execution.
• Partners with requesting departments to define requirements, refine specifications and scopes of work, select appropriate procurement methods, and maximize competition and value.
• Coordinates proposal evaluation, negotiations, award recommendations, and required approval processes in accordance with delegated authority.
• Administers the ERP, electronic bidding, evaluation, and contract-management systems in coordination with relevant departments.
• Manages the university P-Card program in coordination with the accounting department.
• Oversees Distribution Services operations, including campus mail, package delivery, warehouse functions, surplus-property acquisition, and related service delivery.
• Administers University contracts by monitoring vendor performance, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, resolving disputes, and coordinating corrective action when necessary.
• Exercises or obtains appropriate signatory authority and ensures contractual obligations, approvals, and institutional commitments are properly documented and fulfilled.
• Maintains effective relationships with vendors, manufacturers, contractors, and procurement professionals while promoting fair competition and service excellence.
• Oversees outsourced Print & Copy services, including vendor performance, service quality, policy development, and campus customer support.
• Provides strategic leadership, supervision, coaching, and professional development for Procurement and Distribution Services staff, establishing clear performance expectations and a culture of compliance, accountability, and service excellence.
• Advises University leadership on procurement risks, trends, sourcing strategies, regulatory developments, vendor matters, and best practices.
• Develops, implements, interprets, and maintains procurement and materials-control policies and procedures consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provides procurement education and training to University stakeholders on sourcing options, bidding requirements, ethics, evaluation methods, contract administration, and related processes.
• Prepares or coordinates Board of Governors briefing materials and approval requests for procurements requiring executive or Board action.
• Conducts or oversees procurement studies, performance analysis, spend and vendor reporting, and other data-informed assessments to support continuous improvement.
• Represents the University with external organizations, vendors, business leaders, and professional associations as appropriate.
• Manages assigned budgets, records, systems, and administrative operations.
• Monitors changes in procurement, contracting, postal, distribution, and related laws, regulations, and industry practices.
• Maintains audit-ready documentation and supports internal and external compliance reviews.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD & D, long-term disability
• 3 weeks paid vacation per year
• 3 weeks of accrued sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• retirement
• generous education assistance for an employee, spouse and dependent children taking classes at UCM

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director