Purchasing Specialist/HUB Coordinator

Preferably five or more years in-depth responsibility for working with and procuring complex goods and services (i.e. Information Technology, Facilities, Engineering, Research).

Skills
* Ability to take an idea or set of instructions and convey them to individuals or groups in a manner that is comprehensible, but in a manner that (whether using verbal and non-verbal messaging), that leads to building strong professional relationships.
* Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook. Knowledge desirable in Adobe Pro; Visio.
* Possess strong verbal and written communication skills (i.e. memos, letters)
* Comfort level with public speaking (i.e. presentations)
* Ability to facilitate training (i.e. staff and faculty) at all levels within the university and with suppliers.
* Ability to work independently and as part of diverse teams (i.e. departmental and project)
* Strong interpersonal skills to conduct business with professionalism and diplomacy at levels.
* Ability to adhere to deadlines and multi-tasking to complete daily duties and projects.

Certified Contract Administrator ( CCA) or Master Contract Administrator ( MCA) Certification desirable. If not, it will be required within 24 months of starting job.

Membership in the North Carolina MWBE Coordinators Network and United Minority Contractors of North Carolina ( UMCNC). If not, this will be a requirement.

The position is responsible for acquiring goods and services for the University. Within the Procurement Services Department Team, the Purchasing Agent/Procurement Specialist is expected to interface with department personnel and other administrators at the University to ensure that the University's needs and requirements are attained. This position is responsible for establishing and managing vendor relationships through Strategic Contracts and Master Service Agreements and serving as the Historically Underutilized Business ( HUB) coordinator. These efforts must be compliant with all appropriate State of North Carolina, University and/or federal policies, provide internal customer support, category spend management, and vendor management. This position is responsible for evaluating requisitions for completeness, and taking appropriate actions for effective, ethical and timely procurement of products and services for the University. This position is scheduled for a normal 8:00am to 5:00PM work shift; however, the position carries a professional obligation to work additional hours when necessary to ensure performance of required duties or to meet deadlines.

The Procurement Office provides direction over the entire procurement activities within NCA& TSU, including purchasing and administration of the procurement card. Manages all procedural aspects of purchasing activities within State and Federal laws, North Carolina Division of Purchase and Contract rules and regulations, agency/university policy and procedures. Communicates with internal and external customers, clients and suppliers; negotiates between parties; verifies availability of funds, advises management on proper allocation of funds, etc.

Purchasing -In-depth knowledge of procurement principles, ethics and standards as it pertains to the State of North Carolina State or other State Government rules and regulations, to assist customers in acquiring goods/services. The procurement agent/specialist will be responsible for driving quality, delivery, supplier management, educate and assists in increasing spend with HUB suppliers, and pricing improvements to meet the goals of the organization and the needs of the customers.

Place orders for both products and services from external suppliers

Manage assigned suppliers/vendors and the respective purchasing priorities including but not limited to - assist customers in writing scope of work/specifications, submits purchase orders using an electronic purchasing system (Jaggaer), assist with product returns to vendor that may include securing RMA's

Develop relationships with suppliers to enable the organization to build strategic partnerships with key suppliers - supports cost, delivery lead-time and quality improvement initiatives with key suppliers

Negotiate pricing and contracts with new and incumbent suppliers/vendors

Manage assigned supplier spend, category spend and negotiates favorable payment terms and methods to improve working capital

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Identify the appropriate method of solicitation and create, execute, and manage Request for Quotations (RFQs), Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitation for Bids (IFBs) process.

Recommend new suppliers for business opportunities with the university.

Serve as the primary contact between supplier/vendor and manufacturer.

Work effectively with suppliers to help minimize costs and improve delivery lead times

Expedite orders that are needed to better align with customer expectations and requirements

Perform root cause analysis on defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, vendors, and others to determine source and take corrective action

Communicate with and work closely with assigned divisions/departments with purchasing or products/services

Develop personal objectives and goals in concert with departmental and university goals

Responsible for reporting on all assigned metrics and KPI's

Develop action plans, standard work, and countermeasures as needed to support the metrics and KPI's

Responsible for maintaining up to date files (i.e. contract, solicitation)

Perform other related duties as required.

Assist the Procurement Services and Facilities Offices in planning, developing, and implementing the Procurement Services HUB program. This includes strategies, annual targets and metrics.

Responsible for actively identifying and engaging minority-owned, women-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (considered "historically underutilized") to increase their participation in the university's procurement process, ensuring education, compliance with government regulations and promoting equitable business opportunities

Actively search qualified HUB vendors across various industries, including outreach to minority and women-owned business organizations.

Assist potential HUB vendors in the certification process, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria to be classified as a HUB.

Collaborate with procurement teams and other University departments to develop strategies for integrating HUBs into bidding processes, including setting goals for HUB participation on contracts.

Conduct marketing campaigns to inform potential HUB vendors about contracting opportunities, participate in industry events, and build relationships with relevant business associations.

Generate and submit monthly reports regarding quarterly university HUB participation, as well as identify trends and areas for further development.

Ability to analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for increasing HUB participation.

Attend HUB events to represent the university HUB program.

Assess, identify/evaluate options for resolution(s) (if applicable) as it pertains to procuring goods/services, and managing procurement card requests.

Performs other related duties as required.

Strong skillset to communicate (written and verbal) and interact successfully with diverse people, professionally both individually and in team environments.

Performs other related duties as required.

Facilitates training sessions and presents to various levels of internal and external clients

Possess time management skills to support and assist customers in acquiring goods and services timely and adhering to state, federal rules/regulations and university purchasing policies and procedures.

Provide a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere when interacting with individuals and groups.

Performs other related duties as required.

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. North Carolina A&T 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. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;