Director of Purchasing - Oakland University

Another Source • Rochester, MI

1d • $93,000 - $116,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Another Source's client, Oakland University , is recruiting a Director of Purchasing to join their team in Rochester, Michigan . Here's a little about Oakland University: Located on 1,443 acres in scenic Oakland County between the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills, Oakland University is a public research university serving more than 18,000 students. Since its founding in 1957, the university has grown into a vibrant academic community offering more than 275 degree and certificate programs across a wide range of disciplines. Oakland University is known for its strong commitment to student success, community engagement, and workforce development throughout Southeast Michigan. With schools spanning business, engineering, health sciences, nursing, medicine, education, and the arts, the university plays a critical role in preparing the region’s next generation of leaders while fostering innovation and collaboration across campus and the broader community.

About this role: Oakland University is seeking a strategic and collaborative Director of Purchasing to lead the institution’s procurement operations and help ensure the university continues to operate efficiently, responsibly, and in alignment with best practices. Reporting to the Associate Vice President and Controller, this role oversees purchasing strategy, vendor relationships, and procurement processes for the entire university. The Director will lead a team of procurement professionals while serving as a trusted advisor to departments across campus, helping them navigate purchasing decisions, sourcing strategies, and contract negotiations. This is a hands-on leadership role in a lean environment. The Director is expected to balance strategic process improvement with day-to-day operational involvement, including active participation in complex sourcing events, RFPs, contract review, and department-facing procurement support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eight (8) years of experience in business management, purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing purchasing needs and managing procurement processes.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or similar professional certification.
• Experience in a higher education or large institutional environment.
• Experience improving procurement workflows, increasing operational efficiency, or supporting automation and modernization initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the Purchasing Department, including supervising a team of buyers and ensuring procurement activities align with university policies and best practices.
• Process and oversee purchase requisitions, independent contractor agreements, and procurement contracts for equipment, supplies, materials, and services across the university.
• Serve as a project manager for purchasing-related contracts, licenses, and agreements, coordinating with departments, vendors, and the Office of Legal Affairs when appropriate.
• Design, implement, and monitor procurement processes, policies, and procedures to ensure efficiency, compliance, and alignment with institutional needs.
• Negotiate, initiate, and oversee campus-wide purchasing agreements to secure favorable pricing and vendor partnerships.
• Act as a key resource to university departments by providing guidance on purchasing decisions, vendor selection, and specification development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and the broader business community while identifying opportunities to enhance supplier partnerships.
• Evaluate current vendors and research new suppliers to ensure the university receives high-quality goods and services at competitive pricing.
• Manage departmental participation in purchasing committees and cross-functional initiatives.
• Resolve vendor or customer issues, including complaints, returns, shortages, and purchase order adjustments.

Benefits

• Oakland University offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefit program including a comprehensive medical plan with low contribution amounts for employees, dental and vision plans at no cost for employees, generous paid time off plans, a generous University contribution to our 403(b) retirement plan, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, free access to Campus Recreation Center and workout facilities, and flexible work schedules and wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

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