What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing and Contract Manager position at Charleston Southern University?
Purchasing and Contract Manager
Charleston Southern University
Position Overview
Reporting to the VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, the Purchasing and Contract Manager is responsible for overseeing the universitys purchasing processes, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. This position plays a critical role in managing campus-wide purchasing operations, including purchase orders, procurement card (PCard) administration, and vendor contracts. The role is primarily remote but requires on-campus presence as necessary.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and process purchase orders across the university, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional policies and budgetary constraints.
- Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure proper documentation of agreements.
- Facilitate purchasing requests from various departments while maintaining consistency with procurement policies.
PCard Administration & Compliance
- Manage and oversee the university-wide PCard program, including issuance, reporting, auditing, and policy adherence.
Contract Management & Policy Adherence
- Maintain an organized system for managing vendor contracts, ensuring timely renewals and adherence to contractual obligations.
- Collaborate with university leadership, legal counsel, and department heads to draft, review, and manage vendor agreements.
- Develop and implement best practices for procurement and contract compliance while ensuring alignment with CSU policies.
Financial & Reporting Responsibilities
- Import and manage Concur account transactions, ensuring proper allocation and documentation.
- Generate reports on purchasing trends, cost-saving opportunities, and budget forecasting.
- Assist with audits and financial reporting related to procurement and purchasing activities.
Other Duties
- Provide training and support to faculty and staff on procurement procedures and PCard policies.
- Serve as a key resource for compliance with procurement policies, industry regulations, and university guidelines.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Accounting, Purchasing, and Accounts Payable.
Required Skills and Attributes
Education
Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required.
Experience
- 2-4 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, contract management, or a related field.
- Experience in higher education or non-profit procurement is preferred.
- Strong knowledge of purchasing policies, vendor negotiations, and contract compliance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and financial software (Concur, Banner, or similar ERP systems).
- Ability to quickly learn and navigate new software platforms.
Essential Functions & Work Environment
Regular, on-time attendance and ability to work remotely with flexibility for on-campus requirements as needed.- Physical stamina to manage purchasing tasks, including reviewing physical documents and attending meetings as required.
- Ability to work in all types of weather when occasional on-campus work is required.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter (if available), and faith statement and answer all mandatory application questions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About CSU
Located near historic Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston Southern University is a comprehensive institution offering a liberal arts curriculum to over 3,600 students and offers over 60 majors and graduate programs in Education, Business, Criminal Justice, and Nursing. The mission of the University is promoting academic excellence in a Christian environment, and the vision is to be a Christian University nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving. Charleston Southern has nationally accredited programs in nursing, business, education, music and athletics, and a budget of approximately $60 million. Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Charleston Southern employs faculty and staff who are professing Christians. For more information about the University, please visit www.charlestonsouthern.edu.
Charleston Southern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Charleston Southern University is a Christian university and tobacco-free campus. We do not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and University-administered programs. In order to fulfill its purpose, the University may discriminate on the basis of religion in employment. The University has been granted exemption from certain regulations promulgated under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which conflict with the Universitys religious tenets and core values.
