Assistant Director of Procurement Services / Procurement Officer II

Longwood University invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of Assistant Director of Procurement Services / Procurement Officer II (00391). The ideal candidate must be strategic, detail-oriented, and collaborative while also playing a critical leadership role in managing day-to-day procurement operations. Reporting to the Director of Procurement Services, the successful candidate must also ensure compliance with state and institutional policies and deliver value-driven purchasing solutions in support of the university's academic and administrative missions. This position ensures alignment with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and works closely with departments, vendors, and state agencies to foster ethical, efficient, and customer-focused procurement practices. The successful candidate will be required to obtain both VCO and CUPO certifications within two years of their initial hire date.

This position is located in Farmville, Virginia, and is required to work in person on Longwood University's campus. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Oversee daily operations of procurement functions, including sourcing, contracting, and purchasing.
• Ensure procurement processes align with VPPA, VASCUPP, SWaM requirements, and institutional policy.
• Develop, implement, and maintain procurement policies and procedures.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with federal, state, and university regulations.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives to maximize value and reduce costs.
• Conduct complex and high-value procurement projects.
• Review and approve SPCC and Local charge card transactions.
• Supervise and mentor procurement staff while providing guidance, training, and performance evaluation.
• Support staff who are responsible for contract negotiations, renewals, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and suppliers.
• Promote inclusive procurement practices with an emphasis on SWaM vendor engagement.
• Resolve escalated supplier performance issues and ensure the quality of goods/services.
• Provide semiannual training sessions to support internal stakeholders.
• Prepare procurement activity reports and dashboards for institutional leadership.
• Analyze purchasing data to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and risk factors.

Requirements:

• Progressively responsible supervisory experience, preferably in a public sector or higher education environment.
• Thorough understanding of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and eVA (Virginia's electronic procurement system).
• Demonstrated strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with management and administration.
• Commitment to inclusive excellence in procurement practices.
• VCA, VCO, or VCCO certifications preferred.
• Experience with contract negotiation and administration in a higher education setting preferred.
• Familiarity with Banner, eVA, or other ERP/procurement systems preferred.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, classified, non-exempt position in a pay band 5. Salary will be commensurate with credentials and experience. A successful fingerprint-based criminal background investigation is required. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Commonwealth of Virginia benefits accompany this position to include: State health and dental benefits & flexible spending accounts, Paid leave (which may include sick leave, personal leave, annual leave, etc.), and 13 holidays, Retirement savings plans (some with limited employer match available (VRS)), Life & Long-Term care insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Employee discounts for various services, including Verizon, Educational benefits for most employees, Cost-effective Fitness Center membership for employees.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Longwood University will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodations to applicants in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. If, however, you require accommodations in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 434-395-2074 or humres@longwood.edu.

Per CFR: Title 34, the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information can be located through this link http://www.longwood.edu/titleix/. A diversified workforce is an important part of our strategic plan. EOE/AA

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will be posted a minimum of five business days. Position posted 7/29/2025. To apply for this position, qualified applicants must complete the online application and attach a resume and cover letter, and any other documents you wish to include. If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff, and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must upload a copy of your card when you submit your application/resume.