Purchasing: Contracts Specialist

University of New Mexico•Albuquerque, NM

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of New Mexico, Office of the University Controller, also known as Financial Services, located on Main Campus is responsible for all central accounting functions for the University. It is the responsibility of the Controller's Office aka Financial Services to ensure compliance with all financial policies, rules, and regulations adopted by the University or imposed by external agencies, including state and federal audit requirements, following generally accepted accounting practices. Additionally, the Controller's Office oversees the maintenance of the official financial records of the University. Within Financial Services is The Purchasing Department that serves as the central purchasing authority for the University of New Mexico. The UNM Purchasing Department is seeking a dynamic and motivated Contract Specialist to join our team. This position will work with a team of Contracts Specialists who are buyers for several specific commodities and is responsible for all aspects of the procurement cycle, from sourcing to managing of contracts, in accordance with applicable federal, state and University rules and regulations. Examples of the goods and services this team currently handles are furniture, architecture, construction, building operations materials and supplies and services, and grounds equipment and services. The UNM Purchasing department procures upwards of $150M each year. Team members collaborate with their peers in financial services and procuring departments to ensure we meet their needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Nice To Haves

Experience with New Mexico Public Works Projects
Experience with State of New Mexico policies and procedures regarding Construction and Maintenance
Experience and knowledge of New Mexico State Procurement Code
Experience with/in procurement in a public or higher education environment
Experience with electronic procurement and sourcing applications
Skilled in interpersonal and customer service with a wide range of constituencies
Experience in organizing and coordinating

Responsibilities

Reviews, approves, and processes purchasing requests such as purchase requisitions and small purchase orders for goods and services
Lead departments through the procurement process to administer complex, integrated, high-value contractual arrangements and procurement proposals, e.g., request for proposals (RFP), etc.
Assists in bid openings for competitive solicitations such requests for quotes, bids, and proposals
Administer and maintain data information related to contractual arrangements for products and/or services for the University
Analyze and approve or reject internal and/or contractor requests for deviations from contract specifications and delivery schedules
Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data to determine reasonableness of prices; review and interpret contract provisions to achieve cost efficiencies and reductions where feasible
Monitor existing contracts/contractor performance for compliance with terms and conditions
Serve as a primary point of contact with contractors, vendors and UNM departments
Represent the organization and the University to various institutional constituencies, as well as externally to corporations, funding agencies, government agencies, and other colleges and universities, as appropriate
Other duties as assigned