Purchasing Specialist, Financial Services [R0150826]
About The Position
Under the direction of the Executive Director, Assistant Director, Purchasing Manager, or Senior Purchasing Analyst, the Purchasing Specialist supports the day-to-day operational needs of UNLV Purchasing and Contracts. This position focuses on efficient processing of pre-negotiated or low-risk requisitions, purchase orders, change orders, and basic contracts and amendments, while supporting procurement systems, data accuracy, and audit readiness. All work is performed in compliance with Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) policies, Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), UNLV policies and procedures, and public procurement best practices. This role is operational in nature and plays a key part in supporting procurement systems, maintaining accurate records, performing data entry and review, and contributing to audit and compliance efforts. The Purchasing Specialist does not administer complex procurements or competitive solicitations such as RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, or IFBs.
Requirements
- This position requires a Bachelor Degree in Business, Management, Communication, Public Administration, Accounting or related field from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- 3 years of related professional experience including procurement procedures, methods or activities related to the responsibilities of this position, and demonstrated experience in providing excellent customer service.
- Credentials must be obtained prior to the start date.
Nice To Haves
- 3 to 5 years experience
- Higher Education experience
- Workday experience
Responsibilities
- Review, create, issue, and manage purchase orders and change orders for existing contracts and pre-approved suppliers, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely closeout.
- Evaluate requisitions for policy compliance, purchasing thresholds, risk considerations, and required approvals.
- Support procurement systems by entering, reviewing, and maintaining accurate purchasing, supplier and contract records, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
- Perform data entry, data review, and auditing of procurement records to ensure consistency, completeness, and compliance with policies and procedures.
- Prepare and document competitive exceptions, including independent research, justification development, and coordination with approving officials.
- Draft, review, and manage basic, low-risk contracts and amendments using approved templates, ensuring proper routing and approval.
- Gather, review, and maintain required supporting documentation such as insurance certificates, licenses, and compliance forms to support audit readiness and risk mitigation.
- Provide consistent, professional customer service to campus departments and suppliers by responding to inquiries, explaining procurement processes, and resolving purchasing issues.
- Contribute to measurable cost savings and cost avoidance by evaluating requisitions, identifying cooperative or existing contract options, requesting cost reductions, or obtaining additional quotes when appropriate.
- Assist with documentation development, including forms, templates, guides, and training materials to support consistent processes and system use.
- Support special projects and assignments and cross-coverage efforts to ensure continuity of operations.
Benefits
- Competitive total rewards package including Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
- Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision
- Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs
- No state income tax
- Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools
- Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents
- Employee recognition and appreciation programs
- UNLV athletics ticket discounts
- Statewide employee purchase program discounts
- RebelCard discounts on and off campus
- Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost
- Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles
- Connect with colleagues with shared interests
- Personal and professional development opportunities
- A comprehensive onboarding program, Rebels: Onboard
- Support and resources available for veteran applicants
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
