Procurement and Contract Officer

About the role

Empire State University is seeking qualified and motivated applicants for the position of Procurement and Contract Officer. The Procurement and Contract Officer is a member of the SUNY Empire University procurement department and is responsible for managing procurement activities and contract administration to ensure compliance with SUNY policies, New York State laws, and applicable federal regulations. This position supports the university's mission by facilitating the efficient and ethical acquisition of goods and services while promoting transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. The Procurement and Contract Officer will work with all departments and functional offices in the procurement of goods and services for the University.

Responsibilities

• Manage competitive bid processes (RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs) for IT purchasing activity at SUNY Empire State University, including those for facilities, information technology services, marketing and student services.
• Lead the development, negotiation, and execution of key contracts and vendor relationships; manage those relationships to optimize service, quality and cost; including regular business reviews with university stakeholders.
• Manage procurement activity in the Jaggaer e-procurement system.
• Ensure savings initiatives spanning cost reduction, cost avoidance, revenue enhancement, rebates, etc. are accurately documented, reviewed, reported and transferred to the annual operating budgets and long-term strategic plans.
• Coordinate and recommend MWBE (Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises) and SDVOB (Service Disabled Veterans Owned Business) sourced goods and services in accordance with NYS goals.
• Develop contracts that drive value and support university requirements, including clearly defined requirements for goods and services, performance measurements and practices within New York State guidelines, rules, and laws.
• Author or redline contractual documents independently or in concert with legal; design and revise templates as required.
• Ensure valid contracts are in place before high quality, competitively bid goods or services are purchased via implementing standard terms & conditions.
• Evaluate suppliers through fair and thorough techniques and resolve contractual issues / concerns as they may arise.
• Initiate strategic vendor improvement and performance tracking and accountability to maintain contract compliance.
• Develop a departmental strategy, category sourcing plans, and an execution roadmap to identify opportunities that will provide best price, quality, and value.
• Prepare presentations and analysis to support business cases to support recommendations and optimizing value.
• Educate the university community on New York State procurement requirements and procedures.
• Assist internal stakeholders and budget/cost center owners to identify and implement opportunities/processes to ensure the timely provision of goods and services.
• Ensure that targeted cost savings are achieved without placing the risk on the university's quality, outcomes, and timeline requirements.
• Maximize the use of technology to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement continuous process improvement and leading practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited university or significant experience in procurement and contract administration.
• Three (3) or more years of progressively increasing responsibility in procurement, sourcing and vendor relationship experience, preferably in higher education or not-for-profit field.
• Experience with competitive bidding (RFI, RFP, RFQ), vendor selection, and vendor risk assessment; or related experience.
• Commitment to ethical procurement practices and transparency in public contracting.
• Contract management experience, or similar skill set.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and MS PowerPoint; experience with e-Sourcing techniques.
• Ability to design, compile, analyze and present scorecards and trackers to senior management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across departments.
• Adaptability to evolving technologies and regulatory environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master's degree in business or related area.
• Experience working with procurement, supply chain, and contracts for higher education and not-for-profits is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with NYS Office of General Services (OGS) centralized contracts and preferred source offerings.
• Experience in higher education system.
• Experience with procurement at SUNY schools.
• Significant experience with complex negotiations.

Benefits

• NYS health insurance.
• Free dental and vision.
• Competitive retirement options.
• Generous vacation, sick and holiday accruals.
• Strong emphasis on work-life balance.
• Professional-development activities for professionals and support staff.

Pay

Senior Staff Assistant, SL3 / $70,000–$75,000, dependent upon experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This position will be located in Saratoga Springs, New York. Periodic travel, as well as occasional evening and weekend work, may be required.