What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Procurement Services position at The University of Mississippi?
Note for Current UM Employees
Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu
Position Description
The Office of Procurement Services at the University of Mississippi is dedicated to supporting the university's mission by strategically acquiring goods and services while ensuring compliance and fiscal responsibility.
The Director of Procurement Services serves as the University’s Chief Procurement Officer within the Division of Administration and Finance. This role is responsible for overseeing and directing the University’s procurement and payment services, ensuring compliance with established policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. The Director provides strategic leadership, vision, and guidance, while managing and supervising personnel to achieve institutional goals. In addition, the Director plays a key role in delivering training and fostering a culture of excellence to support the University’s mission and goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead, direct, and manage all strategic, administrative, and operational aspects of the Office of Procurement Services.
Provide direction and guidance to team members across seven areas/functions: Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Procurement Card, Employee and Student Travel, Central Receiving, Property Control, and Campus Mail Services.
Interpret and apply federal, State of Mississippi, and Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning laws, policies, and procedures as well as educate on and off-campus constituents on the appropriate application.
Manage request for proposal, bid, and sole source certification processes ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
Review and evaluate competitive solicitations.
Establish and maintain consistent and compliant purchasing policies, procedures, and guidelines across the institution and must have an understanding of public university finance and budgeting as well as a thorough understanding of policy, practice, administrative rules, and applicable state and federal law.
Establish and communicate a clear vision for the procurement process within the Office of Procurement Services, across the University, and with external suppliers.
Stay updated on changes in procurement regulations to advise senior leadership and provide training and guidance to campus constituents.
Evaluate and develop strategic supplier relationships, monitor vendor performance, and assess associated risks.
Collaborate with campus partners, including the offices of Information Technology, Contracts Management, General Counsel, and others, to address technical, financial, and legal aspects of procurements.
Serve as a subject matter expert on purchasing protocols, advising senior leadership on implementing new programs and initiatives.
Supervise administrative, technical, and clerical staff, establishing performance standards and accountability.
Represent the University at various state and national associations and serve on various internal committees.
Develop positive working relationships with external stakeholders and agencies with oversight authority.
Partner with the Office of Information Technology to implement technology solutions that enhance procurement processes, accuracy, and data management.
Position Details
Appointment: 12 month
Assignment Type: Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or a closely related field of study is preferred; however, other degrees will be considered.
Experience: Eight (8) to ten (10) years in purchasing, procurement, and property control with at least five (5) years of experience in supervising the workload and work product of others to strategic outcomes. Preference will be given to candidates with state or governmental agency experience, or an equivalent combination of certification, education, and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position.
Technical Skills: Knowledge of ERP systems is preferred, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
Background Check: A pre-employment background check (including financial) is required.
Certifications:
Certified Mississippi Purchasing Agent certification required or must be obtained within one year of employment
Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), or Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) certification required or must be obtained within two years of employment
Substitution Statement: An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
About the University of MS & Oxford, MS
Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.
Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.
Background Check Statement
This position will require a financial (credit) report. Selected candidates should have a low credit debt. Background checks are completed post offer of employment. University employees moving into a new position that requires a financial (credit) report must complete a new background check.
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.
