Director of Procurement Services

Description

This position serves as the University’s Chief Procurement Officer within the Division of Administration and Finance. The Director of Procurement Services directs the University’s procurement and payment services activities in compliance with policy, procedures, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices; directs, manages, and supervises personnel and employee activities; provides leadership, vision, training, and action needed to accomplish the University’s mission and goals. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

• Leads, directs, coordinates, and manages all strategic, administrative, and operational aspects of the Office of Procurement Services.

• Serves as the University’s Chief Procurement Officer.

• Provides leadership, direction, and guidance to team members in seven areas/functions: Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Procurement Card, Employee and Student Travel, Central Receiving, Property Control, and Campus Mail Services.

• Interprets and applies State of Mississippi procurement laws and regulations and Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board policies and procedures as well as educating on and off-campus constituents on the appropriate application.

• Manages the RFP, bid, and sole source certification processes ensuring State of Mississippi statutes, regulations, and procedures are followed and appropriate approvals are obtained.

• Reviews, comprehends, and evaluates competitive solicitations.

• Establishes and maintains consistent and compliant purchasing policies, procedures, and guidelines across the institution and must have an understanding of public university finance and budgeting as well as a thorough understanding of policy, practice, administrative rules, and applicable state and federal law.

• Establishes and communicates a clear vision for the procurement process both internally within the Office of Procurement Services and across the University as well as with external suppliers.

• Keeps abreast of any changes that affect the university concerning procurement to advise senior leadership, inform the campus, and provide training.

• Evaluates and develops strategic supplier relationships. Monitors vendor performance and assesses risks. Reviews and responds to vendor protests.

• Works in conjunction with campus partners, including the Office of Information Technology, Office of Contracts Management, the Office of General Counsel, the Department of Facilities Planning, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Office of Accounting, the Office of Internal Audit, and Human Resources to analyze technical, contractual, financial, ethical, and legal matters related to procurements.

• Acts as a subject matter expert on purchasing protocols and advises senior leadership in implementing programs, new initiatives, and special projects.

• Directs the efforts of and supervises administrative, technical, and clerical staff and sets performance standards and accountability.

• Serves on various university, division, and departmental committees and represents the University at various state and national associations.

• Develops positive working relationships with external stakeholders and agencies with oversight authority.

• Partners with the Office of Information Technology to ensure short- and long-term technology solutions, which optimize the accuracy, response time, and data management of procurement transactions.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or a closely related field of study

Experience: Eight (8) to ten (10) years in purchasing, procurement and property control at a state or governmental agency with at least five (5) years’ experience in supervising the workload and work product of others to strategic outcomes OR an equivalent combination of certification, education, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position

• Knowledge of ERP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications

• Pre-employment background check (including financial) required

Certifications:

• Certified Mississippi Purchasing Agent certification required or must be obtained within 3 months of employment

• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), or Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) certification required or must be obtained within two years of employment

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for this position, you can apply for the position on our employment site at: https://careers.olemiss.edu/ The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

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