Director of Auxiliary Services

Harris-Stowe State University; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris-Stowe State University seeks a Director of Auxiliary Services to lead revenue-generating units including dining, parking, bookstore and retail, while serving as the university’s senior procurement authority.

You will oversee procurement, complex contracts, and capital projects, optimize revenue and margins, and partner with the CFO to enhance student life and campus services.

You’ll lead cross-functional teams and shape policies across auxiliary operations and procurement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, SCM, Accounting, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience managing complex, high-volume operations or procurement.
• Experience in contract negotiation and vendor management with senior executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of Auxiliary Services including dining, parking, bookstore, and retail.
• Oversee procurement strategy, bids, and complex contracts in compliance with laws.
• Partner with CFO to optimize revenue and margins and support student services.
• Direct capital projects management and vendor relationships.

Skills

Budget management

Contract negotiation

Vendor management

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/SCM/Accounting

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

The Director of Auxiliary Services provides leadership, direction, and oversight of revenue-generating auxiliary units that support student life and academic activities, including campus dining, parking and transportation, bookstore services, retail operations, and capital project management. This role also serves as the University's senior procurement authority, leading complex sourcing, bidding, and contract negotiation for the institution while ensuring compliance with state and federal procurement law. The Director serves as a strategic partner to the CFO, optimizing revenue and operating margins, driving procurement value and compliance, and enhancing the student experience. This role represents HSSU in interactions with students, vendor partners, campus departments, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Auxiliary Operations Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations of Auxiliary Services: campus dining, parking and transportation, bookstore, retail operations, and other units as designated by the CFO
• Promote Auxiliary Services across the campus community, driving awareness and engagement
• Serve as project manager for all design and construction projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery

Financial Management and Strategy

• Coordinate budget development and monitor revenue and expense activity with dashboard reporting and business planning
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to improve revenue and operating margins for existing operations and new initiatives
• Maintain financial records in accordance with GAAP
• Translate financial information for non-technical stakeholders through clear written and verbal communication

Procurement Leadership and Compliance

• Serve as the University's subject matter expert on State of Missouri statutes and federal procurement law, ensuring compliance across all transactions
• Review and approve complex requisitions and generate purchase orders for high-value transactions
• Lead the development of comprehensive bid specifications for complex procurements and manage competitive bidding processes, including solicitation, evaluation, and award of major contracts
• Direct complex sourcing and procurement projects and drive cost containment across University purchasing
• Develop and refine sustainable purchasing policies in collaboration with students and faculty
• Maintain comprehensive records and analytics on items purchased, costs, delivery, product performance, and vendor metrics
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify cost‑saving opportunities and emerging procurement trends
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend new revenue‑generating opportunities that enhance University services

Vendor and Contract Management

• Lead vendor relationship management and develop strategic partnerships in the business community
• Negotiate binding contracts across both procurement and auxiliary operations
• Represent the University in complex contract negotiations and dispute resolution

Strategic Partnership and Leadership

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CFO and senior leadership team on both auxiliary operations and procurement strategy
• Mentor and provide guidance to procurement and auxiliary staff on policies, procedures, and best practices
• Build relationships across the University, navigating the complex landscape of a publicly‑supported higher education institution
• Lead or participate in cross‑functional teams for major procurement and auxiliary initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, or a related field (required)
• Five (5) or more years of professional experience directly managing complex, high‑volume operations and/or procurement, with demonstrated progression of responsibility (required)
• Specific experience preparing and managing complex solicitations for the purchase of goods and services
• Experience in contract negotiation, vendor relationship management, and consulting or advising senior‑level executives

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field
• Prior federal, state government, or University procurement experience
• Professional procurement certification (CPPB, CPM, CSCP, or similar)
• Facilities management experience, including capital planning and renovations
• Knowledge of governance and administrative processes in higher education

Core Competencies

• Strategic financial analysis and budget management
• Expert-level contract negotiation and procurement compliance
• Project management for capital construction and renovations
• Advanced computer literacy, including procurement software and ERP systems
• Strong written and verbal communication for diverse stakeholders
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and mentor staff
• Data‑driven decision‑making and problem‑solving
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and organizational change
• Self‑directed, with strong organizational skills and deadline management

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a typical office environment on campus
• Some travel may be required for vendor meetings, conferences, and site visits

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes. Oversees Auxiliary Services staff, procurement staff, and vendor relationships. May lead cross‑functional project teams.