Purchasing Specialist

Position Summary Information Position Summary Purpose, Scope & Dimension Of Job The purpose of this position is to facilitate the College’s needs for purchased goods and services. The Purchasing Specialist will act as a liaison between the vendor community and the College’s employees and will be responsible for procuring the goods and services needed for the continuity of the College. He/she will ensure that all purchased goods and services will be made in a manner that is consistent with the Board and administrative policies of the College as well as local, state and federal regulations. The position is one of two Purchasing Specialists who, along with the department manager, handle all the procurement activity for the College and its extension campuses. Supervisory Responsibility This position does not directly supervise any other staff, but assists the Purchasing Manager in the direction and supervision of work study student(s). Minimum Requirements A minimum of two years of demonstrated experience in the purchasing fieldA bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or other business-related field or equivalent education and experience.Commitment to providing consultative, facilitative, collaborative customer serviceAbility to analyze situations and develop flexible solutions which both meet the customer’s needs and ensure compliance with policyAbility to use and demonstrate effective proficiency at the intermediate level in MS Word and basic level in MS Excel. Experience with purchasing software systems Familiarity with and ability to use the Internet as a search engine for products, services and vendors and other applicable data as requestedFamiliarity with and ability to use the Internet as a search engine for products, services and vendors and other applicable data as requestedAbility to write a comprehensive bid specificationAbility to read, interpret and analyze quotes, bid submissions and contractsDemonstrated work history of providing high-quality customer-orientated service including problem-solving orientation, highly developed organization skills, ability to determine priority and multi-task accordingly, strong listening skills, coordination of work effort with others (teamwork) and conflict resolutionStrong follow-through and follow-up skillsMust be able to communicate tactfully and courteously with diplomatic assertiveness; strong written and verbal skillsAbility to maintain confidentialityAbility to ensure adherence to the College’s administrative and Board policies, in conjunction with applicable lawSelf-starter with the ability to work independently with minimum supervision and willingness to accept accountability for and ownership of workMust be dependable and reliableAbility to decipher when the need arises to involve colleagues and/or managers, as appropriate Additional Desirable Qualifications Experience with the Datatel Administrative SystemDemonstrated knowledge of public purchasing practices and legislationDemonstrated knowledge of contracts and contract administrationDemonstrated knowledge of software, audio/visual, information technology systems and other electronic instrument purchasingDemonstrated intermediate user of MS Excel and MS Word; experience using MS PowerPointPossession of a professional certification through the ISM (C.P.M or C.P.S.M.) or NIGP (CPPB or CPPO) Physical Requirements/Working Conditions Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of timeNeed to frequently move about office and campus; able to walk distances and bend or stoopFrequent operation of office equipment such as computers, copiers and fax machinesAbility to carry light loads (approximately 30 lbs. or less)Must be able to exchange information clearly and effectively – this position constantly communicates both inside and outside of the College Work Schedule Full time employee, 40 hours per week/52 weeks per year. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. May be required to work a variable schedule/varying hours to meet operational needs. The College has three modes of work, which are 1) on-site (100% physically at a College worksite), 2) hybrid (time split between remote and on-site), and 3) remote (100% remote with no on-site work). This position is currently operating in a hybrid work mode. On-site and remote days are determined by the needs of the department. All new hires must be able to work in a hybrid mode while the College is operating under a hybrid work plan and must be able to work on-site in a full-time capacity if/when the College transitions to a full-time on-site work model. This position may work in a hybrid, remote, or on-site model based on the needs of the College, and as assigned by the immediate supervisor. These modes are subject to change. For Detailed Job Description Click Here Job Description Additional Information First consideration given to internal candidates. Degree must be conferred by either offer date Visa sponsorship is not available. The College is unable to assist with travel and/or relocation expenses. Selected candidates must submit to a drug test and criminal background check. The College reserves the right to cancel the search at any time. Application Deadline Internal Deadline October 7, 2026 Additional Application Deadline Information The College reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified. Equal Opportunity Statement As an equal opportunity institution, the College encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. The College does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran’s status, age, disability unrelated to an individual’s ability to perform adequately, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Title IX Coordinator Contact Information: 1401 E. Court St., Prahl College Center (PCC- 2030G), Flint, MI 48503, (810) 762-0024. Title II, ADA, Coordinator Contact Information: 1401 E. Court St., Curtice-Mott Complex (CM-1024), Flint, MI 48503, (810) 762-0373. Section 504 Coordinator Contact Information: 1401 E. Court St., Prahl College Center (PCC- 1130), Flint, MI 48503, (810) 762-0191.