Procurement Specialist II

Universities of Wisconsin•Menomonie, WI

7d•$49,000 - $53,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic’s Purchasing and Materials Management department seeks a Procurement Specialist II to support campus procurement needs and serve as a liaison among the university, the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration, the Universities of Wisconsin, and suppliers. The role involves interpreting and applying complex state and university administrative policies and procedures. It is a full-time professional academic staff position performed 100% on campus and reports directly to the Director of Purchasing and Materials Management. The specialist supports purchasing operations by processing requisitions and purchase orders, assisting campus users with e-procurement systems, and advising faculty and staff on procurement policies. The position leads supplier research, sourcing, and solicitation work; maintains procurement records and contracts; negotiates purchase terms; communicates procurement outcomes; and implements supplier reporting protocols to measure savings and manage supplier and procurement risks. The department supports campus services in Purchasing, Mail Services, Central Receiving, University Stores, Printing, and Surplus, and is committed to excellent customer service and an inclusive work environment. The starting salary range is $49,000–$53,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Universities of Wisconsin provides a benefits package that includes participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan. Employment is contingent on background and reference checks and, where applicable, passing an essential job function test.

Requirements

Experience providing customer service or administrative support in a professional environment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
Experience using office productivity software (such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Apple iWork, or similar) to create, enter, maintain, review, or analyze information.

Nice To Haves

Experience in purchasing, accounts payable, finance, accounting, business operations, office administration, or a related area.
Experience using financial, purchasing, enterprise, or other complex business software.
Experience interpreting or applying policies, procedures, contracts, regulations, or other established guidelines.
Experience processing or reviewing purchase orders, invoices, contracts, quotes, bids, or other business documents.
Experience working in higher education, government, the public sector, or another regulated environment.

Responsibilities

Prepare and disseminate business cases to appropriate audiences, propose strategic sourcing, and author programs for stakeholders and institutional leadership.
Research suppliers, assess available products and services and market conditions, identify supply options, and make recommendations.
Serve as a primary contact for external stakeholders, maintain contracts, and negotiate purchase prices to obtain timely and meaningful sourcing results.
Draft, submit, and communicate procurement request outcomes to suppliers, stakeholders, and institutional leadership.
Lead the development of complex solicitations, including creative approaches to evaluating third-party sourcing options while complying with regulatory requirements.
Establish and maintain bid and proposal records in accordance with record-keeping requirements.
Answer questions and provide guidance on specific commodities and service areas based on established materials or standards.
Implement supplier reporting protocols to measure cost savings, reduction and avoidance, supplier management, and risk mitigation programs and strategies.
Process requisitions and purchase orders in accordance with policies and procedures.
Assist faculty and staff with an online e-procurement system, such as Jaggaer One Procurement or Workday.
Provide guidance to faculty and staff on interpreting procurement policies and procedures.
Develop and manage simplified bids, RFBs, and RFPs in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Review and negotiate terms and conditions of campus purchases with external suppliers.
Serve as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned.