"Procurement Specialist I"

Job Details

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Position Title: Procurement Specialist I

Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile: Procurement Specialist I

Job Duties:

Under the general supervision of the Procurement Director, this position is responsible for coordinating activities involved with the procurement of goods and services for university departments and units. In this capacity, the Procurement Specialist I assists and advises campus personnel regarding the proper procurement process and mechanism for purchases.

This position will also assist with campus print and is responsible for adhering to the Department of Administration (DOA) regulations for print purchases and includes developing, conducting, and awarding bids. This position reviews and dispatches purchase orders, supports responses to purchasing records requests, collects and verifies documentation, ensures contract compliance, and enters information into purchasing enterprise systems and databases for the institution.

This position is a temporary up to six month appointment with potential to be renewed based on need.

The review of applications starts on March 14, 2026. Applications received on or before March 14th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Print Management

• Interpret and keep current on DOA, UW System, and UWL printing and procurement policies as well as state-negotiated printing contracts.
• Determine the appropriate and most cost-effective method of procurement for printing requests: another state agency, state contract, local contract, or by seeking a competitive bid.
• Compile specifications for print orders using state printing contract operational bulletins, price charts, and base price book when the procurement method will involve the use of a State of Wisconsin contract.
• Compile specifications and prepare bid documents, determine appropriate vendors, solicit and review bids, and make awards.
• Serve as a liaison between clients and vendors during printing production.
• Negotiate discounts/reprints with vendors for improperly printed or delayed projects.
• Maintain records for all bids and printing orders as required by policy.

Procurement Support and Order Processing

• Review purchase requisitions and determine the appropriate procurement process and procurement authority for each given request, utilizing State and UW contracts when appropriate and observing State Statute, DOA procurement policy, UW System policy, and UWL guidelines.
• Prepare purchase requisitions for approval by reviewing and completing submitted requisitions in compliance with UWL, UW System and State Bureau of Procurement regulations.
• Advise and educate the campus community on procurement procedures and policy, as governed by state law, DOA policy, UW System policy, and UWL guidelines via communication and training.
• Compile specifications, prepare and solicit bids for services and commodities under $50,000 per simplified bidding guidelines, analyze bid results, and award contracts.
• Conduct product research, provide advice, and locate desired products for campus customers.

Other Items

• Year-end processing, including the review of encumbrances, verification and analysis of purchase and print order balances, and the closing or carryover of purchase orders.
• Conduct research and prepare ad hoc reporting as needed.
• Provide feedback and assist with the review and implementation of process improvements.
• Compile and distribute monthly reporting on Catalog purchases
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Responsibilities/important duties performed in addition to the essential duties of the position.

Department: Business Services

Compensation: $43,500 / year

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited institution. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively in face-to-face, oral, written, and electronic forms.
• Demonstrated experience in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and the ability to use web-based communication tools (Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Zoom, etc.).
• Work experience providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to work in a dynamic and team-centric environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret policies and regulations.
• Ability to work independently, as well as function effectively in a team and with diverse groups.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in complex and new situations.
• Ability to use discretion and good judgment regarding confidential information.
• Ability to multi-task and manage concurrent projects while meeting strict deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• One year of purchasing work experience.
• Work experience in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge or experience with Perceptive Content, Qualtrics, Visio, and SharePoint.

How to Apply:

Required application documents

Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications)

CV / Resume

Contact Information:

Vered Holl vholl@uwlax.edu