Procurement & Contracts Specialist

About the role

The Knights Experience Team (kNEXT) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is dedicated to providing customer service and administrative support to Finance Business Centers (FBCs) and Human Resources Business Centers (HRBCs) employees. kNEXT also supports staff across all colleges and divisions, aiming to reduce administrative burdens, consolidate functions, and enhance process efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Ensure purchasing activities comply with state procurement laws and public bidding requirements.
• Administer contracts, manage formal solicitation processes, and negotiate directly with suppliers to secure the best value for UCF.
• Partner with faculty, staff, department heads, and FBCs university-wide, serving as a trusted resource on procurement-related processes and procedures.
• Review, process, and approve requisitions, change orders, and supplier contracts, verifying accompanying documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant.
• Evaluate and analyze bid responses, conduct negotiations, and develop recommendations for awards.
• Execute and maintain awarded contracts and process renewals and/or terminations.
• Review and analyze procurement contracts, leases, and pricing agreements, making recommendations and changes as needed.
• Manage and review open requisitions, purchase orders, and receipts to close or cancel them in a timely and efficient manner.
• Serve as a liaison in discussions between the University and suppliers regarding solicitations, procurement procedures, and issues, ensuring compliance with contract or agreement terms and conditions.
• Support Travel & Procurement Coordinators within the FBCs as experts on procurement-related processes and procedures.
• Continuously review and improve processes to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support procurement training efforts.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and (4+) years of relevant experience or combination of relevant comparable education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).
• 3+ years of experience in procurement, contracting, or sourcing, preferably in a public sector or higher education environment.
• Familiarity with public procurement regulations, including state purchasing laws and competitive bidding requirements.
• Experience managing formal solicitation processes such as ITBs and ITNs.
• Contract administration experience, including reviewing, negotiating, and maintaining procurement contracts and pricing agreements.
• Supplier relationship management experience, including identifying and evaluating vendors and securing competitive terms.
• Experience with Workday, PeopleSoft, or a comparable ERP system.
• Strong service orientation with experience working across departments or supporting a broad range of stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, public administration, or related field.