Director, Procurement

Florida Polytechnic University • State College, PA

4d • $110,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Make a difference at one of Florida’s premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences. The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly’s deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation. JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY Under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Director of Procurement is the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) and contracting officer for the university. This position oversees and directs the university's procurement functions and works independently with minimal direction to determine and develop solutions. The Director supervises and coordinates staff, provides oversight and review of all purchasing, bidding, contract negotiations, and contract preparation, and ensures compliance with university policy and external regulations. The Director provides service to departments to ensure the timely purchase and delivery of items; coordinates bidding and selection for major commodities, services, and project contracts; explores new sourcing opportunities to provide the best value and alternatives for the university and its auxiliaries; develops strategic purchasing programs; and manages vendor relations. The Director has a wide range of duties that require judgment, initiative, independence, and discretion in handling confidential information. The position requires direct contact with and the ability to respond to questions from the university President, vice presidents, associate/assistant vice presidents, department heads, and other senior campus officials.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement services,
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• State or local government, or State University experience is required.
• In lieu of a degree, any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• This position requires a criminal background check, which may include a Level II screening as required by Florida Statute §435.04.
• This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of purchasing and accounting practices and terminology.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contract management principles, practices, methods, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws associated with various types of contracts and liability processes.
• Ability to apply strategic thinking & creative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and to build positive relationships with all levels of a diverse organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and others.
• Possesses customer service and negotiation skills to enhance the value of procurement.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead and direct the day-to-day operations of a Procurement administration department.
• Detailed knowledge of State regulatory and administrative documents, Florida codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge and background regarding Procurement Card standards and applicability.
• Strong background in strategic procurement.
• Strong leadership skills and a background in transformational leadership that inspire innovation.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement services
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience

Responsibilities

• Provides daily management and supervision of Procurement operations, ensuring appropriate and consistent interpretation of and compliance with State procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Identifies and drives high-impact opportunities to improve, promote, develop, and implement procurement processes which meet the needs of the University.
• Oversees campus-wide office supplies account.
• Oversees the University's competitive solicitation processes (RFP’s, RFI’s, ITNs, and ITBs) and contract review.
• Ensures all required goods, services, and equipment required by departments are obtained in the most cost-effective and timely manner.
• Interviews and negotiates with vendors and other representatives regarding prices, trade discounts, and deliverables.
• Represents the Procurement Department in vendor disputes and protest hearings.
• Responds to audit comments with recommended changes and ensures implementation of those changes.
• Works with external auditors to address concerns, prepare responses, resolve issues, and correct internal procedures as needed.
• Manages year-end processes and procedures to ensure procurement-relevant documents are closed, and postings are finalized on time.
• Develops and provides training to departments on procurement regulatory requirements, processes, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews purchase requisitions and authorizes procurement contracts, purchase orders, and other procurement-related documents.
• Oversees Supplier/Vendor programming, including the organization of MWBE activities as well as data accumulation required to be reported to the state.

Benefits

• Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.
• Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.
• Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future.
• Annual Leave To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy FPU-1.008.
• Sick Leave Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our Sick Pool Program.
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

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