Western Carolina University
Department: Purchasing & Accounts Payable
About WCU: Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
- 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
- 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
- 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
- 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
Reporting to the Chief Purchasing Officer, this position serves as the department's primary administrator and operational resource for its procurement systems, including the e-procurement platform, Jaggaer, P-Card program and WORKS system, and Banner Purchasing Module. The position oversees system configuration and maintenance, supplier enablement, transaction and policy compliance, production support, testing, reporting and analysis, and training for core offices and campus users. It evaluates processes, coordinates with internal and external partners, and leads continuous-improvement efforts to promote reliable, efficient, and compliant procurement operations. The position also supervises at least one support staff member responsible for carrying out purchasing processes in accordance with university and State requirements.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of generally accepted procurement practices and applicable university and State purchasing requirements.
- Knowledge of procurement and financial systems, with the ability to administer configurations, user access, approval workflows, supplier data, and transaction processing.
- Ability to analyze purchasing activity and system performance, identify processing or compliance issues, troubleshoot complex problems, and coordinate effective resolutions.
- Ability to interpret and clearly communicate policies, procedures, and system requirements and to develop documentation, training, and user guidance for varied audiences.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, and provide supervision and work direction that support consistent, compliant operations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or other immigration-related assistance.
- Bachelor's degree; or Associate's degree and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with experience in Banner, Jaggaer, Canvas, and PCard purchasing systems; knowledge of the State of North Carolina Purchasing Program; and experience managing and administering a corporate purchasing card program.
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time
Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered, you must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for review.
Applicants must attach a cover letter, current resume, and a listing of at least three professional references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) in order to complete the application.
For questions and additional information, please contact Tamrick Mull, Chief Purchasing Officer, at [contact details available in the full listing]
AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [contact details available in the full listing] or email at [contact details available in the full listing].
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC [contact details available in the full listing]) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC [contact details available in the full listing]). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35708
