Purchasing Specialist I

The University of Minnesota seeks a Purchasing Specialist I to support our Financial Operation Center department within the Controller’s Office. This role involves receiving, evaluating, processing, and coordinating a variety of requests for moderately complex purchasing services in support of a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs) in the Finance Operations Center (FinOps). The Purchasing Specialist I communicates with other FinOps teams, finance professionals across the University, and external suppliers to ensure appropriate and timely support for RRCs.

About the role

This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus. For those located in the metro area, a minimum of three days per week in the office is expected. Internal and external applicants near other UMN system campuses and across Minnesota may also be considered. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required for events and all-staff meetings. Out-of-state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense.

Responsibilities

• Purchasing (75%)
  • Under general supervision, use information and requests from a portfolio of RRCs to complete data entry into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) for purchasing functions, following University standard processes for U Market order completion, requisition entries, and supplier setup.
  • Understand and explain University purchasing policies and procedures, applying them to complex purchasing scenarios with sound rationale.
  • Conduct research on potential vendors, products, and services; solicit quotes, analyze responses, and present results and alternatives for purchases under the formal bidding threshold.
  • Exercise judgment and policy knowledge to advise requesters on the purchasing process.
  • Identify when legal terms and conditions apply and ensure contracts are routed to the Office of General Counsel (OGC) for review when necessary.
  • Identify, collect, and draft documentation required by University policy to support complex purchases, collaborating with the Purchasing unit in the Controller’s Office.
  • Identify transactions, policy, or system challenges requiring escalation to ensure resolution and accurate transaction entry.
  • Collect and draft required documentation to request new suppliers or changes to existing suppliers, submitting requests for approval.
  • Enter and monitor requisitions to ensure approvals and budget checks are completed.
  • Apply critical thinking to assess need, funding source, and cost, using knowledge of standard processes and University purchasing methods to ensure cost-efficient outcomes.
  • Understand key purchasing concepts such as price reasonableness, competitive sourcing, and University policies to resolve moderately complex procurement issues, requisition change orders, and PO sourcing challenges.
• Unit Support (10%)
  • Support the Finance Operations Center strategy by assisting in the production and review of financial data.
  • Prepare ad hoc financial reports to support the purchasing operation for the Finance Operations Center and RRCs.
• Professional Development (10%)
  • Contribute to documentation and training for Finance Operations Center procedures.
  • Participate in cross-training opportunities across Finance Operations Center functions to maintain adequate coverage.
  • Complete professional development, education, and training activities aligned with position responsibilities and institutional goals.
  • Engage in ongoing skills training, DEI development, professional learning, service, scholarly activity, and well-being initiatives.
  • Model and contribute to an inclusive work environment and a caring culture.
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience totaling four years.
• Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (e.g., chat, word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing).
• Ability to run reports, understand data, and make recommendations based on analysis.
• Ability to find solutions to modestly technical or operational problems.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel.
• Clear and concise communication in both written and verbal settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of university policies and procedures involving purchasing.
• Experience in a public procurement setting, including supplier sourcing, market research, RFPs, and sole source justification.

Benefits

• Competitive pay range: $24.56 - $28.23 per hour, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.
• 100% time appointment with Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff status.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Paid holidays and generous time off.
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
  • University HSA contributions.
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
  • Employee wellbeing program.
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
  • Financial counseling services.
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
  • Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

Initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range, ensuring compensation reflects individual credentials and experience while maintaining equity.