Strategic Procurement Specialist

Ferris State University•Big Rapids, MI

15d•$48,232•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Purchasing and Accounts Payable manager, this role manages purchase orders and contracts, verifies required documentation, and performs contract management. The specialist solicits requests for proposals (RFP) to provide goods and services to the University, evaluating vendors, costs, and services to obtain optimal value. This position identifies opportunities for cost improvement on procured goods and services, serves as a trainer for Purchasing modules and other assigned training sessions, and manages spend data and related reports. The role involves working with team members to optimize processes, forms, and training materials. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States without employer assistance or sponsorship. Offers are determined based on a review of qualifications, including education, training, experience, and internal pay equity considerations. Placement within the salary range is based on experience: Entry-Range for meeting minimum qualifications, Mid-Range for three or more years of directly related professional experience, and Upper Range for seven or more years of directly related experience, advanced knowledge, specialized skills, certifications, or expertise.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum of 8 years of experience in purchasing and related functions.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
Knowledge and experience with ERP systems
Communicate very effectively both orally, in writing, and in front of team/groups.
Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships and, when needed, resolve project team challenges.
Learn and lead new processes and new technologies.
Make independent decisions reflecting sound judgment.
Meet with salespeople, discuss products and services, and make sound decisions relevant to the purchasing function.
Operate personal computer and relational computer applications and equipment, including online purchasing, as well as other office equipment and software. Learn new software that will enhance the Purchasing function.
Perform mathematical computations with accuracy.
Train and influence others in performing procurement duties and functions.
Identify when to escalate compliance issues to senior stakeholders.
Must demonstrate professionalism, critical thinking, and strong business acumen.
Must have a thorough understanding of purchasing principles and experience.
Must be detail-oriented with the ability to multitask and work somewhat independently, as well as be part of a team.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience in cost improvement leadership efforts.
Previous contract management experience.
Previous higher education experience.
Previous supply chain experience.
Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Manage purchase orders and contracts, verifying required documentation, and perform contract management.
Solicit requests for proposals (RFP) to provide goods and services to the University.
Evaluate vendors, costs, and services to obtain optimal value for the University.
Identify opportunities for cost improvement on the goods and services procured by the University.
Serve as a trainer for Purchasing modules and other training sessions as assigned.
Manage spend data and related reports.
Work with team members to optimize processes, forms and training materials.
Solicit bids and RFP’s for goods and services; review bids, quotes, and services offered.
Author RFPs for requesting departments unfamiliar with the process or resource-constrained.
Partner with Legal to ensure RFPs are appropriate and consistent.
Execute category-sourcing initiatives by calculating baseline spend and savings.
Develop, revise, and conduct purchasing-related training programs for the online Purchasing System (Banner), related software, and other systems and processes as assigned.
Serve as the subject matter expert in Banner and fully understand related Banner procedures (e.g., Accounts Payable).
Manage key suppliers (segmented by spend, complexity, and strategic importance) to ensure supplier service, quality, and innovation efforts that meet or exceed the University's requirements.
Manage the Online Purchasing System, including system optimization. Own system improvements based on software enhancements and overall ERP growth on campus.
Own the vendor list and apply to various needs and RFPs. Create a strategic analysis to optimize vendor usage and identify potential consolidation opportunities.
Review and influence decisions regarding purchasing and inventory systems, policies, and procedures.
Conduct research and benchmarking and synthesize data to support new initiatives.
Be the contract management facilitator for purchases and expenditures for the departmental client base. Purchasing owns the Contract Management System, and we train departments on its use.
Maintain knowledge of legal matters and new techniques that affect purchasing and purchasing policies. Partner with Legal and review and assess contracts to recommend signatures for VP/AVP.
Develop bid documents and contracts to the benefit of the University. Work with University members to refine the scope of work and timeline as bids are submitted.
Optimize RFP processes, templates, and strategic approach.
Be the guardians/custodians of the Board Purchasing Policy and the Contracting Policy. Enforce these policies and train people/departments on how to follow them.
Manage student-level positions.
Maintain/Drive various Purchasing measures as assigned: Requisitions converted to POs, Contracts reviewed, managed, and submitted for signature, Sole Sources reviewed and approved, Spend Data Acquisition: Banner & Concur (annually & quarterly), Spend abstracts created for departments, Cost Improvements generated ($), RFXs fielded.
Conducts complex spend analyses that drive overall positions for sourcing initiatives.
Reads, reviews, and assesses vendor contracts for purchases. Create Contract Summary Forms for signatories.
Develops, implements, and maintains reports to track strategic initiatives and associated savings.
Undertakes research and analysis of key strategic suppliers and the external marketplace, ensuring that information (supplier strategy and risk insight) is shared between University Purchasing and wider business entities.
Continuously scans the Procurement marketplace for E-Procurement options/technologies that could enhance our function. Influence application where suitable to advance Purchasing.
Support long-term initiatives and manage, plan, and drive full value for the University and suppliers.
Understand Concur spend and apply it to policies.
Support requesting departments in preparing resolutions for Board of Trustees meetings.
Represent the Manager of Purchasing and Accounts Payable at senior leadership meetings to continue advancing Purchasing.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of information pursuant to university policies and/or state or federal laws.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Lead Disadvantaged Business Entity efforts and University involvement.
Train and direct university members who submit requisitions and contracts.
Represent the purchasing department at various conferences and meetings.
Perform the duties and responsibilities of other purchasing staff in his/her absence. Assist in leading the overall function.