Inventory and Procurement Specialist

University of Minnesota Twin Cities; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is seeking a detail-oriented Inventory and Procurement Specialist to manage purchasing and inventory operations. This role involves procurement, logistics, and inventory management to ensure smooth operations across the campus. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in supply chain management. This position requires a bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus at least two years of experience or six years of related education and work experience.
• Experience in procurement or supply chain preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing of goods/services and maintain tools/inventory.
• Coordinate logistics and monitor orders for timely deliveries.
• Process customer purchase requests and manage order fulfillment.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Service Skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management

Bachelor's degree in business administration

Tools

ERP Software

Order Management Systems

Tririga

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Facilities Management is a department within University Services which is composed of the departments and people who deliver the non-academic operations across the University of Minnesota system. Facilities Management (FM) is responsible for all buildings, grounds and the energy management needs of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Facilities Management works to provide a safe, reliable and welcoming campus in support of the Universityâs mission of teaching, research and outreach. FMâs responsibilities include over 25 million square feet in more than 280 buildings across 1200 acres in the Twin Cities.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Inventory and Procurement Specialist to manage the purchasing of goods/services while managing tools/inventory essential for our operations. The ideal candidate will obtain bids and negotiate with suppliers and ensure that all purchases meet standards for cost, quality, and delivery timeframes. Experience in inventory management is essential to help maintain optimal stock levels and ensure smooth operations. This role is essential to maintaining smooth operations by making sure materials, goods, tools, and supplies are accounted for and readily available when needed.

This position will work on the FM District Operations Support team.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Procurement and Sourcing (30%)
â— Purchase goods and services for district staff in compliance with UMNs competitive purchasing requirements.
â— Research and identify potential suppliers and vendors, manage data to get vendors added to Tririga.
â— Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers and vendors.
â— Work with UMN purchasing to negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers.
â— Work with internal teams to forecast demand and align sourcing strategies.
â— Manage supplier risk and identify alternative sourcing options.


Logistics and Transportation (20%)
â— Plan, coordinate, and monitor orders to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries.
â— Track shipments, analyze delivery performance, and address any transportation delays or issues.
â— Collaborate with internal teams, including supply chain, warehouse, and procurement, to improve logistics processes.
â— Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
â— Coordinate drop ship and emergency deliveries.


Inventory Management (20%)
â— Receive, inspect, and record deliveries, ensuring they match purchase orders.
â— Track order movements, including delivery, transfers, returns, and adjustments.
â— Ensure proper labeling, storage, and organization of inventory in satellite warehouses.
â— Manage attic stock and dispose of or return items no longer needed.
â— Assist with tool and material handling equipment inventory and management.
â— Be responsible for the compressed gas cylinder management process.
â— Maintains cleanliness and orderliness of assigned satellite warehouses.


Distribution and Fulfillment (20%)
â— Process and manage customer purchase requests through the order fulfillment system to include purchase order change orders.
â— Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure timely picking, packing, and delivery to satellite warehouses.
â— Communicate order status, shipping details, and any delays to district staff.
â— Resolve order discrepancies, returns, and exchanges efficiently.
â— Utilize order management systems (e.g. Tririga) to track orders.

Other duties as assigned (10%)
â— Promote adoption and compliance with processes and policies with FM staff
â— Recommend improvements and suggest ideas for new processes or policies
â— Act as a liaison between district staff and campus logistics/supply chain operations

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Required (minimum) qualifications
â— Bachelorâs degree in supply chain management, business administration, or related field plus at least two years of experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years


Preferred qualifications
Experience in procurement, supply chain or a similar role.
â— Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
â— Strong communication skills for coordinating with multiple departments.
â— Attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines.
â— Knowledge of inventory management and order processing systems.
â— Strong communication and customer service skills.
â— Proficiency in ERP or order management software.
â— Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.


Physical and environmental requirements
This position requires 100% on campus presence. This position may be exposed to hazardous conditions where hearing and visual protection may be required. Position requires the strength and agility to lift 30 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.