Procurement Specialist

Augustana University invites applications for a full-time Procurement Specialist. This position supports procurement activities by handling vendor relations, processing orders, ensuring compliance with policies, and assisting with cost-saving initiatives to meet institutional needs.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Research and identify potential vendors as well as develop and implement vendor selection and evaluation policies.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms to ensure supplier performance meets quality, cost, and delivery standards.
• Process purchase orders and requisitions efficiently as well as ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Manage inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstocking and resolve issues with shipments and order discrepancies.
• Implement cost-saving and sustainability measures as well as identify opportunities for bulk purchasing and budget optimization.
• Monitor spending trends to support strategic decision-making.
• Ensure adherence to legal regulations, company policies, and industry standards by maintaining accurate procurement records for audits and reporting, and aligning policies with university accreditation and funding agency requirements.
• Work closely with internal departments to meet procurement needs and address specialized needs such as grant-funded purchases and academic resources.
• Develop educational materials to inform staff and faculty of procurement policies and conduct training sessions and provide ongoing support.
• Regularly review policies to ensure relevance and efficiency while staying informed about industry trends to enhance procurement strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3-years of experience in procurement or purchasing, preferably in a nonprofit, higher education.
• Knowledge of procurement principles and vendor negotiation.
• Familiarity with nonprofit regulations, including tax-exempt purchasing and grant compliance (e.g., Uniform Guidance for federal funding).
• Experience in drafting, communicating, and implementing clear, efficient, and effective policies and procedures.
• Strong ethical standards and knowledge of best practices in procurement compliance and sustainability.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with a keen attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Skilled in developing and implementing strategic sourcing practices that optimize procurement outcomes, such as negotiating preferred pricing agreements to achieve long-term value, securing vendor rebates to enhance financial efficiency, and structuring favorable payment terms to support cash flow management.

Interacting with students, faculty and leadership from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, along with a deep appreciation and respect for academic principles and culture, must be a top value of the candidate.

The position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants are asked to submit the below application materials in one document to our career center. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the application process, please contact liz.vanwesten@augie.edu. Official website: augie.edu.

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Valuing diversity and inclusivity are important aspects of the culture and ethos of Augustana University. Please share how you envision embracing and advancing these ideals.
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer that seeks to recruit, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce. Augustana University is committed to excellence through diversity and strongly encourages applications from the entire spectrum of a diverse community. Submission of official transcripts may be required upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.