Purchasing Manager

Louisiana State University • Baton Rouge, LA

4d

About The Position

The Purchasing Manager manages the procurement operations for the College of Engineering, ensuring compliance, managing complex or high‑value purchases, supervising procurement staff, and serving as the primary decision‑maker for procurement issues. The manager leads the fostering of cost-effective procurement solutions and ensures the college is equipped with the necessary resources to function effectively. 35% Leadership and Managerial Responsibilities Supervise procurement staff, including hiring, training, workload management, performance feedback, and professional development. Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with institutional goals and budgetary constraints. Establish, refine, and manage departmental procurement processes and best practices in accordance with LSU Procurement standards. Provide expert‑level support for complex or specialized procurement needs. Lead strategic planning to enhance efficiency, cost savings, and supplier performance. Serve as the final escalation point for departmental procurement challenges, supplier disputes, and compliance. 25% Advanced Procurement Operations Serve as the College Certified Purchasing Agent with full decision‑making authority for departmental procurement compliance. Manage preparation and issuance of RFPs, RFQs, and other solicitation documents. Independently evaluate bids and proposals, negotiate with supplier, and recommend award decisions. Monitor and improve purchase order workflows, ensuring timely processing and resolving exceptions. Oversee LaCarte and Foundation purchasing processes, ensuring compliance and addressing escalated issue. 15% Supplier Management and Strategic Partnerships Develop and maintain supplier relationships to improve pricing, service, and overall value. Lead supplier onboarding and ensure compliance with LSU procurement requirements. Manage resolution of escalated disputes involving delivery, performance, invoicing, or contract terms. 10% Compliance, Risk Management and Documentation Ensure all procurement activity complies with university, state, and federal regulations. Lead internal reviews and coordinate with auditors; identify and implement preventative corrective actions on the front end. Work to constantly assess and improve documentation standards, ensuring procurement records are accurate, complete, and audit‑ready. 10% Budget Management and Cost Optimization Works with departmental financial leadership to develop a purchasing budget sufficient to meet the organization's needs and provides feedback on budgetary opportunities. Develop purchasing strategies that maximize cost savings and efficiency. Provide advanced procurement reporting and analysis to leadership for strategic decisions. 5% Other duties as assigned. Cash Handling -This position has access to/directly handles cash. Financial history/credit check required per FASOP HR-04.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance or related field.
• 3 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management.
• LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply -a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job posting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a university or public sector procurement environment.
• Familiarity with state procurement laws and regulations.
• Ability to analyze procurement data and produce detailed reports.
• Certification in procurement (e.g., CPSM, CPPB) or related professional certification.
• LSU Certified Purchasing Agent Delegation.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Managerial Responsibilities Supervise procurement staff, including hiring, training, workload management, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with institutional goals and budgetary constraints.
• Establish, refine, and manage departmental procurement processes and best practices in accordance with LSU Procurement standards.
• Provide expert‑level support for complex or specialized procurement needs.
• Lead strategic planning to enhance efficiency, cost savings, and supplier performance.
• Serve as the final escalation point for departmental procurement challenges, supplier disputes, and compliance.
• Advanced Procurement Operations Serve as the College Certified Purchasing Agent with full decision‑making authority for departmental procurement compliance.
• Manage preparation and issuance of RFPs, RFQs, and other solicitation documents.
• Independently evaluate bids and proposals, negotiate with supplier, and recommend award decisions.
• Monitor and improve purchase order workflows, ensuring timely processing and resolving exceptions.
• Oversee LaCarte and Foundation purchasing processes, ensuring compliance and addressing escalated issue.
• Supplier Management and Strategic Partnerships Develop and maintain supplier relationships to improve pricing, service, and overall value.
• Lead supplier onboarding and ensure compliance with LSU procurement requirements.
• Manage resolution of escalated disputes involving delivery, performance, invoicing, or contract terms.
• Compliance, Risk Management and Documentation Ensure all procurement activity complies with university, state, and federal regulations.
• Lead internal reviews and coordinate with auditors; identify and implement preventative corrective actions on the front end.
• Work to constantly assess and improve documentation standards, ensuring procurement records are accurate, complete, and audit‑ready.
• Budget Management and Cost Optimization Works with departmental financial leadership to develop a purchasing budget sufficient to meet the organization's needs and provides feedback on budgetary opportunities.
• Develop purchasing strategies that maximize cost savings and efficiency.
• Provide advanced procurement reporting and analysis to leadership for strategic decisions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees