Construction Procurement Professional or Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Ready to help shape the future of a leading public university? The University of Connecticut is seeking a highly technical and self-motivated Construction Procurement Specialist or Construction Procurement Professional to join an established team of procurement and construction professionals. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to projects that directly enhance the campus environment and student experience.

The Construction Procurement Professional/Specialist is a mission critical position within the Capital Projects and Facilities Procurement (CPFP) team that supports the University’s capital projects program and facilities-related initiatives, including new construction, renovation or alteration of existing buildings, infrastructure, and deferred maintenance at the University's main campus at Storrs and its regional campuses statewide.

This service-oriented position will work closely with the University’s Planning, Design and Construction & Facilities organization to provide highly efficient and innovative procurement solutions and perform tasks related to prequalification, bidding, awarding, contracting, and contract administration functions of construction and design professional services and facilities related procurement efforts.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

For the Construction Procurement Professional (P2)

• Conduct solicitation processes for procuring contractors, design professional services, and facilities-related goods and services.
• Assist in developing standardized procedures, templates, and documents for construction related procurement procedures.
• Evaluate sources that can provide essential goods and services to support the University’s needs.
• Monitor vendor and product performances to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Provide training to internal and external parties and serve as a resource regarding procedures, time requirements, availability of products and services, and administrative requirements.
• Analyze and interpret price trends and market conditions.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for the University to internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Review and approve purchase requisitions and/or contracts for assigned construction-related commodities; determine correct method for procuring and/or contracting goods and services.
• Assist departments in developing scopes of work, specifications, and solicitation requirements for construction and facilities-related procurements.
• Coordinate bid openings, proposal evaluations, and award recommendation processes.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, contract files, and documentation for audit and reporting purposes.
• Assist in resolving procurement-related issues, discrepancies, and vendor performance concerns.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities for Construction Procurement Specialist (P4)

• Manage the solicitation process for complex projects including procuring construction managers at risk, contractors, and design professional services, including Prequalification, Invitations to Bid, and Request for Proposals.
• Manage the University’s on-call construction related programs including the primary contact to stakeholders and contractors, track and analyze spend, and address contractor performance matters.
• Assist with contract development, negotiation, and contractor selection.
• Support contract administration activities, including change orders, claims, delays, and related contract issues.
• Ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Collaborate with University departments to support procurement planning, scheduling, and project delivery.
• Participate in meetings and prepare reports, documentation, and presentations, as needed.
• Proactively identify potential issues and collaborate effectively with CPFP team and stakeholders to develop well-considered solutions that address stakeholder needs while aligning with the University’s best interests.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. For the Construction Procurement Professional: Five (5) or more years of related experience OR a Bachelor's degree in related field and one (1) year of related experience procuring related goods and services OR an Associate’s degree in related field and three (3) years’ experience procuring related goods and services.
2. For the Construction Procurement Specialist: Eight (8) years of related experience OR a Bachelor's degree in related field and four (4) years of related experience procuring related goods and services OR an Associate’s degree in related field and six (6) years’ experience in procuring related goods and services.
3. For Both Levels: The ability to collaborate effectively with contractors, design professionals, engineers, consultants, and facilities staff in support of procurement activities.
4. For Both Levels: Possess a general working knowledge of accepted procurement practices for construction and facilities-related services.
5. For Both Levels: The ability to evaluate services and products to determine technical compliance and resolve discrepancies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s or an advanced degree preferably in design and/or a construction related discipline such as construction management, architecture, or engineering.
2. Strong background in construction procurement with demonstrated knowledge of contracting, scheduling, and construction methods, including procurement of design professional services acquired through work in the construction industry.
3. Working knowledge in contractor and design professional services proposal analysis, commodity forecasting, quality assessment, and value analysis.
4. Ability to analyze data, business, and market trends, and provide informed, actionable recommendations.
5. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
6. Strong supervisory skills and the ability to effectively train and develop less experienced procurement staff.
7. Familiarity with following software applications: Jaggaer (eProcurement Solution), KFS (Kuali Financial Systems), Oracle Unifier, and/or other commercial planning and project management software.
8. Knowledge of state statutes, and federal regulations as they relate to the construction industry.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position working Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Storrs campus. The job classification as a Construction Professional (P2) or Construction Procurement Specialist (P4) and salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience. The department is currently working under a hybrid model requiring staff to be on the Storrs campus two (2) days per week and to work remotely three (3) days per week. The hybrid work schedule may change subject to authorization and University policy.