"Director of Procurement"

Director of Procurement

Posted: 30-Jan-26

Location: Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Type: Full-time

Categories: Financial, Staff/Administrative

Employment Type: Full-time

Organization Type: Higher Education Institution

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Reporting to the Executive Director of Finance, the director provides supervision and management of the Procurement unit, including: supervision of personnel; interpreting, administering, and assuring compliance with Commonwealth of Massachusetts statutes and laws, along with University regulations and policies governing procurement and contracts; and review, approval, and issuance of purchase orders and contracts within defined limits.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: AFSCME Buyer III (2 positions)

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Procurement

1. Manage the daily operations of the procurement team to ensure service to the campus community is provided in a professional, ethical, and timely manner.
2. Establish and maintain effective relationships with staff and co-workers to provide a high level of customer service while assisting and advising University staff and department heads in resolving problems and determining appropriate course of action to best meet their procurement needs.
3. Supervise and evaluate performance of Buyer personnel.
4. Under the delegated authority of the Chief Financial Officer, review and approve or deny purchase orders, sole source, and emergency procurements.
5. Document and/or recommend policies, procedures, and practices, and educate the campus community regarding procurement and contracts. Communicate changes to the university community in a timely manner.
6. Manage the University P-card program; includes system set-up and maintenance, application processing, document and/or recommend policy and procedure, and communicate timely updates. Review exception requests and provide problem solving for department users.
7. Coordinate with key contract service vendors (Bookstore, Food Service, Vending, MART Shuttle) to provide high-level customer service and contract compliance; interface with university constituents on performance and/or problem solving.
8. Coordinate and/or oversee relations with other key vendors, such as office supplies, drinking water, University Amazon account, and ordering systems, including reviews and updates to vendor records entry and maintenance for compliance, tax reporting, and information security.
9. Assist with the review of contracts to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
10. Manage the Banner REQ/PO system – stay apprised of and implement changes and/or updates to the electronic processes, and communicate those changes to the Buyer and University employees.
11. Responsible for working with campus departments to determine and develop IFB/RFP/Scope of Service documents for public solicitation and navigate the procurement process to ensure appropriate competition and compliance.
12. Assure that contract, bid, RFP, and all other procurement records and files are systematically recorded, maintained, updated, and where appropriate, published in compliance with best practice, Commonwealth of Massachusetts laws and statutes, and University policy.
13. Recommend and implement operational improvements in both systems and processes to improve end-user experience and compliance.
14. Stay up to date on current procurement and contracting regulations and technology, including Commonwealth and MHEC state contracts.
15. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum 5 or more years of experience in purchasing with public sector experience.
2. 2 or more years of supervisory experience.
3. Experience using ERP Finance/Procurement systems, preferably Ellucian Banner.
4. Ability to effectively supervise the work of other employees.
5. Demonstrated ability to exercise judgement and discretion in regard to procurement and contract-related matters.
6. Ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines in multiple areas.
7. MCPPO certification or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire.
8. Ability to read and interpret terms and conditions of contracts.
9. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from faculty and staff.
10. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
11. Must have in-depth knowledge and experience in preparing specifications and managing processes of Request for Proposals (RFP) and Invitation for Bids (IFB).
12. In-depth knowledge of procurement processes and best practices, procurement systems, and business services.
13. Ability to consistently operate within framework of collegiality and teamwork for problem solving in the workplace.
14. Must be able to satisfactorily pass a check conducted by the Criminal History Systems Board (CORI check); a background check satisfactory to the university.
15. Ability to perform above duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field.