Purchasing Specialist

The Office of Purchasing is a unit of the Division of Business and Finance. Responsibilities of the department include the following procurement-related operations: acquisition of all equipment, furniture, materials, supplies, and services rendered to the University, management of surplus property. The department must follow guidelines set forth by the North Carolina Division of Purchase and Contract, North Carolina State Auditor's Office, UNC System Office, and all applicable University policies and procedures.

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for managing all procedural aspects of purchasing activities in compliance with State and Federal laws, North Carolina Division of Purchase and Contract rules and UNC System regulations, and agency/university policies and procedures. This position ensures that procurement practices align with legal and institutional standards while maintaining operational efficiency. This includes requesting quotes, completing bids when necessary, and ensuring all transactions are compliant with applicable regulations.
A key responsibility of this role is the management of surplus property, overseeing the entire process from transfer to sale or disposal. Additionally, the position is responsible for vendor maintenance, ensuring accurate vendor records and conducting research to identify and evaluate prospective suppliers as needed. The Purchasing Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the institution's procurement needs through diligent vendor management and regulatory compliance.

Professional Knowledge: Applies thorough knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures and various grades and qualities of goods/commodities and/or services being purchased. Stays abreast of changes in purchasing methods and practices. Applies thorough knowledge of accounting principles and methods of contracting in relation to purchasing needs. Interprets established rules and regulations, reviews work for compliance to standards. Proposes procedural changes and policy revisions for approval. Accesses/queries information technology to facilitate program goals and procedures.

Coordination of Workflow: Independently administers and reviews work for compliance of moderate complexity and/or scope. Executes work of moderate complexity and/or scope. Analyzes and determines appropriate purchasing methods and/or alternative course of action. Maintains complex records to prepare reports and tabulations.

Negotiation: Independently identifies issues of moderate complexity and/or scope, assesses position of each party, explores alternatives and facilitates resolution.

Customer Service/Communication: Develops and maintains strong relationships with departmental personnel, vendors and other customers/clients. Utilizes appropriate method of communication to convey pertinent information.

Managing Work and Performance: May supervise and ensure that policies and procedures are communicated. May participate in training and the development of individual competencies, instructions, and performance evaluations.

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or related business area; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Position will be required to obtain the North Carolina Contract Management Certification within one year of the hire date.

This position is Exempt from the State Human Resources Act.

Elizabeth City State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Any offer of employment to a successful candidate will be conditioned upon the University's receipt of a satisfactory criminal background report.

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Elizabeth City State University State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Elizabeth City State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.