"Contracting Specialist"

Job Summary

Contracting Specialist duties for education, research, and patient care areas related to coordinating and negotiating terms and conditions, negotiating price, processing, and awarding contracts and specialized agreements of highly unique and highly complex nature. This position is responsible for compliance with all statutes, regulations, board policies and procedures pertaining to this area. The work requires knowledge of the legislation, regulations, and methods used in purchasing; and knowledge of business and industry practices, sources of supply, cost factors, price analysis, excellent interpersonal skills, and negotiation skills. Perform assigned responsibilities, duties, and tasks according to established practices, procedures, techniques, and standards in a safe manner and with minimal supervision.

Primarily responsible for the planning, selecting and buying of goods/services for higher education. Duties include market research, competitor analysis, product evaluations and testing, monitoring purchase orders and creating reports for the management team. A highly skilled contracting specialist often possesses a strong industry knowledge with the ability to forecast market trends and perform research.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Source, price, and award purchase orders.
  • Review requisitions for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with AU/State policies and procedures.
  • Budget check requisitions prior to release.
  • Determine if requests can be acquired from previously negotiated Group Purchasing Organization/statewide contracts, spot buys, or through the formal Request For Quote/Request For Proposal process.
  • Conduct research, evaluate findings, and make independent decisions to determine if products/services are the best value based on quality and cost for AU's needs.
  • Interview vendors and evaluate their products and capabilities as a supplier.
  • Review and edit contracts per State of Georgia and Board of Regents guidelines.
  • Perform price analysis on commodity groups to determine most cost effective vendor for next commitment term.
  • Confirm and validate compliance with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia Business Procedures Manual 3.4.4 for every purchase.
  • Utilize Jaggaer Sourcing Director as the tool for Requests for Proposals, Requests for Quotes, and Requests for Information.
  • Perform background check reviews for every service purchase and utilize additional contract language when required.
• Resolve problems for customers and vendors.
  • Expedite back orders (for this position and others on Purchasing Team).
  • Resolve pricing discrepancies and payment release issues (for this position and others on Purchasing Team).
  • Coordinate installation for complex/capital equipment purchases.
• Prepare cost analyses for capital purchases researching sourcing/pricing opportunities.
  • Prepare and review bid documents and make awards.
  • Process change orders.
  • Research open POs to determine time of closure.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements: Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of two years' experience in Supply Management, Purchasing, or Logistics OR Two years of college from an accredited college or university with five years experience in Supply Management, Purchasing, or Logistics OR High School diploma or GED from a recognized state or federal accredited organization with eight years experience in Supply Management, Purchasing or Logistics.

Preferred Qualifications

Positive attitude and ability to interact in an educational and cultural environment with a high degree of professionalism and integrity is a must.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES: Ability to maintain confidentiality; Ability to stay organized with an attention to detail; Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of AU and BOR Purchasing policies/procedures and state guidelines/laws; Knowledge of the health care supply/capital equipment commodity; Knowledge of best procurement practices; Proficient in Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft's Financial/Purchasing System and other computer software/databases.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days/M-F (work outside of the normal business hours will likely be required of an employee in an exempt level position); Pay Band: 9; Salary: $48,800.00/Annually; Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position; Recruitment Period: 10/01/25 - Until Filled; Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays. Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University. If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage. Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle. For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation. All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

Credit Check

This position will require the acquisition of a P-Card and/or handle cash, credit or other sensitive information and will require a satisfactory Consumer Credit check as a condition of employment.

Other Information

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success. Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

How To Apply

Consider applying with us today! Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university; Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee; If you need further assistance, please contact us at 706-721-9365; To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=12000&JobOpeningId=290845&PostingSeq=1