Director Of Purchasing

The Director of Purchasing provides leadership and operational oversight for the University's purchasing function, ensuring the effective, economical, and legally compliant acquisition of goods and services in support of the university's mission. 

This position leads and develops a team of procurement specialists while also directly managing complex and high‑value procurements, applying sound judgment and expertise in State, UNC System, and University procurement laws, policies, and procedures. 

The Director advances strategic, customer‑focused procurement practices that maximize institutional resources, promote fair and open competition, mitigate risk, and serve as a trusted partner to campus stakeholders in meeting university needs efficiently and responsibly.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

The University Purchasing Office is a service unit within the Division of Business and Finance and reports to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance. The office administers the University's procurement function and is comprised of a team of knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professionals committed to supporting the institution's needs.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field. Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public‑sector purchasing or procurement, including:

• Procurement of goods and services across multiple commodity categories
• Interpretation and application of State statutes, administrative code, and procurement policies

Demonstrated supervisory or management experience, including oversight of professional and technical staff

Experience managing or overseeing:

• Competitive bidding and contract administration
• Vendor relationships and negotiations
• Procurement compliance and internal controls
• Procurement card (P‑Card) and/or travel card programs (preferred)

Preferred:

• Experience in higher education or another complex public institution
• Professional certification such as:
  • CPPO (Certified Public Procurement Officer)
  • CPPB (Certified Professional Public Buyer)
  • CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
• Experience responding to or supporting audit and compliance reviews
• Experience managing decentralized or campus‑wide procurement operations
• Ability to apply and interpret establishedrules and regulations. Maintain records of some complexity and to prepare reports ontabulations from these records; establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel and manufacturers' representatives.