Chief Purchasing Officer - #141029

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental, vision, and health insurance

Retirement plan contributions

Tuition waivers up to three courses per academic year

Paid parental leave after 12 months

Training and development programs

Job summary

Western Carolina University is seeking a Director of Purchasing and Accounts Payable (Chief Purchasing Officer) to oversee purchasing and payment activities in Cullowhee, NC. This position requires leadership and expertise in higher education procurement processes, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and have at least three years of relevant experience. An MBA is preferred. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance and tuition waivers.

Qualifications

• 3 years of demonstrated experience in higher education procurement processes.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the purchasing and payment activities within the university.
• Provide leadership and supervision to the department’s professional staff.

Skills

Experience with procurement systems (e.g., Jaggaer)

Knowledge of P-Card industry standards

Supervisory experience in purchasing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field

MBA or related advanced degree

Job description

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). The primary purpose of the Director of Purchasing and Accounts Payable (Chief Purchasing Officer) is to direct and oversee the purchasing and payment activities, functions, programs, and processes within the university and to provide leadership and supervision to the department’s professional staff. The Director advances strategic sourcing and best‑value practices while interpreting and applying the laws, rules, and regulations governing the purchasing and accounts payable functions as promulgated by the state and federal governments, the UNC System, and the North Carolina Department of Administration.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related business field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Additionally, three years of demonstrated experience in higher education procurement processes is required. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and not require immigration sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or related advanced degree
• Experience with procurement systems (e.g., Jaggaer) and Banner ERP
• Knowledge of procurement card (P‑Card) industry standards
• Supervisory experience in a purchasing or procurement function

Position Type

Permanent Full‑Time

Hours & Duration

40 hours per week. 12 months per year.

Benefits

Employees are provided a comprehensive benefits package including dental, vision and health insurance plans (eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire), retirement plan contributions, optional disability plans, tuition waivers up to three courses per academic year, group exercise classes, discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year, vacation and sick leave accruing immediately for employees who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment, paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service, and training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Background and E‑Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. E‑Verify is used to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Proper documentation of identity and employability is required at the time of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Resume
• List of references