Business Manager, Auxiliary Services

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 67,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University in West Lafayette seeks a Business Manager for Auxiliary Services to provide strategic financial leadership and business support for Purdue Memorial Union, Conferences and Event Design, and Retail Dining. You will guide budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for a portfolio exceeding $59 million in revenue and spend.

You will collaborate with unit leadership and central offices, supervise staff, and drive improvements in operational efficiency and service delivery for campus

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or related field required.
• Four years of business administration, financial management, or related experience required.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and implement policies and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, OneNote and Outlook.
• Ability to use AI tools to support process automation, data analysis, financial modeling, reporting, and informed decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Direct the financial management and business office operations for assigned Auxiliary Services units.
• Serve as the primary financial resource and liaison between unit leadership and university business offices.
• Lead budget development, forecasting, financial planning, reporting, and analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Prepare and present financial and management reports that support long-range planning and operational objectives.
• Conduct complex financial analyses, develop business models, and provide recommendations that strengthen revenue-generating operations.
• Interpret and apply University, federal, and sponsoring agency policies, procedures, and financial requirements.
• Collaborate with unit leadership and central business service operations to advance organizational and university priorities.
• Lead special projects, strategic initiatives, and business improvement efforts that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Monitor financial performance, identify trends and risks, and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Approve and oversee business activities and financial transactions to ensure compliance and sound fiscal stewardship.
• Supervise business office personnel, providing leadership, coaching, training, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a customer-focused business office environment that delivers exceptional service and support to leaders, faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders.

Skills

Policy analysis

Data analysis

Communication

Planning

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Project management

Organizational skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Technology adaptability

MS Office suite

AI tools usage

Problem solving

Creativity

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or related field

Tools

SAP

Cognos

Banner

Cvent

Job description

Job Title: Business Manager, Auxiliary Services

City: West Lafayette

Job Description:

Job Summary

At Purdue University, your work helps create exceptional experiences for students, faculty, staff, and visitors every day. As a Business Manager for Auxiliary Services, you will provide strategic financial leadership and business support for key campus operations, including Purdue Memorial Union, Conferences and Event Design, and Retail Dining. Through sound financial stewardship, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative partnerships, you'll help advance Purdue's mission while supporting innovative, customer-focused services across campus.

In this role, you will oversee financial management for a diverse portfolio with annual revenues and expenditures exceeding $59 million, serving as a trusted advisor to unit leadership and a key partner in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational success.

Responsibilities Include:

• Direct the financial management and business office operations for assigned Auxiliary Services units.
• Serve as the primary financial resource and liaison between unit leadership and university business offices.
• Lead budget development, forecasting, financial planning, reporting, and analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Prepare and present financial and management reports that support long-range planning and operational objectives.
• Conduct complex financial analyses, develop business models, and provide recommendations that strengthen revenue-generating operations.
• Interpret and apply University, federal, and sponsoring agency policies, procedures, and financial requirements.
• Collaborate with unit leadership and central business service operations to advance organizational and university priorities.
• Lead special projects, strategic initiatives, and business improvement efforts that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Monitor financial performance, identify trends and risks, and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Approve and oversee business activities and financial transactions to ensure compliance and sound fiscal stewardship.
• Supervise business office personnel, providing leadership, coaching, training, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a customer-focused business office environment that delivers exceptional service and support to leaders, faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders.

What Sets Us Apart

This role offers the opportunity to support some of Purdue's most visible and dynamic operations. From the campus experiences created in the Purdue Memorial Union to large-scale events and dining operations that serve thousands of students and guests, your work will directly influence services that shape daily life at Purdue. You'll partner with leaders across Auxiliary Services to drive strategic initiatives, improve business operations, and contribute to experiences that support student success and campus engagement.

What We're Looking For:

Required:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or related field of study.
• Four years of business administration, financial management, or related experience.

Skills Needed:

• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and implement policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare complex data analysis and present information according to user requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent planning, leadership, budgeting, financial analysis, problem-solving, project management, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build effective working relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels.
• Ability to adapt to changing technologies and their impact on business processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, OneNote and Outlook.
• Proficiency in using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support process automation, data analysis, financial modeling, reporting, and informed decision-making, including appropriate review and validation of AI-generated outputs.
• Demonstrated originality, creativity, and ability to resolve complex issues.

What is Helpful:

• Six completed credit hours of accounting coursework.
• Higher Education Experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sponsor and University regulations and proficiency in technical and professional skills related to business office and contract and grant management.
• Knowledge of SAP, Cognos, Banner, and Cvent.

Additional Information:

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (EligibleForOvertime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Career Stream

Management 3

Pay Band S070
Job Code #20004063
The anticipated annual rate for this position is $74,715/year.

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.