Contracts & Purchasing Analyst

Job Duties

• Cook up the organization's purchasing and procurement functions for goods, services, equipment, software, and operational needs.
• Develop and implement purchasing strategies that support organizational goals and maximize value.
• Evaluate purchasing requests and provide recommendations regarding vendors, products, services, pricing, and procurement approaches.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiencies, standardize procurement practices, and reduce organizational expenses.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, service levels, and purchasing agreements with vendors and suppliers.
• Manage the review, administration, renewal, and termination of routine vendor agreements and service contracts within established authority thresholds.
• Maintain a centralized contract management system and purchasing records repository.
• Monitor vendor performance and service delivery to ensure contractual obligations are met.
• Collaborate with legal counsel, executive leadership, and department leaders on contracts that exceed approval thresholds or require specialized review.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with organizational policies, grant requirements, funding restrictions, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop purchasing policies, procedures, and best practices to support organizational consistency and accountability.
• Prepare reports and analyses regarding purchasing trends, vendor utilization, contract renewals, cost savings, and procurement performance.
• Aid departments with vendor selection, purchasing decisions, and contract-related inquiries.
• Maintain positive working relationships with vendors, suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Provide training and guidance to managers regarding purchasing processes and procurement requirements.
• Ensure all assigned projects, purchasing activities, and contract reviews are completed accurately and within established timelines.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong knowledge of procurement, purchasing, vendor management, and contract administration principles.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate favorable pricing, terms, and service agreements.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, etc.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent discretion.
• Ability to balance strategic procurement initiatives with day-to-day operational needs.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive organizational information.

Position Competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Negotiation Initiative
• Relationship Building
• Communication

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Finance, Operations Management, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing, procurement, or contract administration, required.
• Experience negotiating vendor agreements and managing contract renewals required.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, and process improvements preferred.