Hybrid Purchasing Specialist II — Strategic Sourcing

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Purchasing Specialist II to support the Finance Operations Center. You will handle complex purchasing requests, coordinate with RRCs, and ensure timely support while adhering to university policies.

The role requires strong data handling skills, report analysis, and effective communication. The position is hybrid, with in-office requirements for metro-area candidates and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with two or more years of related experience or a combination of related education and work experience equal to six or more years.
• Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (e.g., word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing)
• Ability to run reports, clean and understand data, compile analysis of data and present results in a clear manner
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal settings

Responsibilities

• Purchasing: enter data into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) for shopping and order completion.
• Explain, interpret, and apply University purchasing policies across scenarios.
• Solicit quotes, analyze responses, and present results for formal bidding threshold purchases.
• Identify when contracts require OGC review and route accordingly.
• Draft documentation to support complex purchases and supplier changes.
• Assist in collecting required documentation for purchases with the Controller’s Office.
• Monitor requisitions to ensure approvals and budget checks.
• Advise departments on appropriate purchasing and payment methods.
• Serve as purchasing SME and coordinate with FinOps and suppliers to resolve issues.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements.

Skills

Data entry

Report analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

TeamDynamix (TDx)

Google Suite

Excel

Enterprise Financial System (EFS)

Job description

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Purchasing Specialist II to support the Finance Operations Center. You will handle complex purchasing requests, coordinate with RRCs, and ensure timely support while adhering to university policies.

The role requires strong data handling skills, report analysis, and effective communication. The position is hybrid, with in-office requirements for metro-area candidates and travel as needed.