Purchasing Coordinator

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks a Purchasing Coordinator to support our Financial Operation Center within the Controller’s Office. You will handle requests for general purchasing services for a portfolio of RRCs, working with FinOps teams, university staff, and external suppliers.

This hybrid role on the Twin Cities campus requires in-office presence at least three days weekly for metro-area residents, with potential relocation for out-of-state candidates.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus four years of general purchasing experience.
• Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (chat, word processing, data entry, email, internet).
• Ability to read, interpret, and compile information according to prescribed methods.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel.
• Understands key purchasing functions and related concepts.

Responsibilities

• Purchasing (85%): enter data for purchasing in EFS, process requisitions, setup suppliers, and ensure policy compliance.
• Research vendors, products, and services; escalate to pursue competitive sourcing.
• Identify when contracts require OGC review and route accordingly.
• Collect and prepare documentation to support purchases; follow SOPs for supplier changes and new suppliers.
• Enter requisitions and monitor budget checks per established processes.
• Apply price reasonableness and competitive sourcing to optimize cost and timing.

Skills

Technology platforms

Reading & interpretation

Independent & team work

Problem detection

Purchasing concepts

Education

High school diploma/GED and 4 years purchasing experience

Tools

TeamDynamix (TDX)

Google Suite

Excel

Job description

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The University of Minnesota seeks a Purchasing Coordinator to support our Financial Operation Center department within the Controller’s Office. The Purchasing Coordinator is responsible for receiving, evaluating, processing, and coordinating a variety of requests for general and routine purchasing services in support of a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs) in the Finance Operations Center (FinOps). The Purchasing Coordinator communicates with other FinOps teams as needed, finance professionals across the University, and suppliers outside the University to ensure appropriate and timely support for RRCs. To succeed as a Purchasing Coordinator, you should be professional, a team player, and attentive while being detail-oriented. You must be comfortable with using technology such as TeamDynamix (TDX) and Google Suite and excel at both verbal and written communication. Most importantly, a Purchasing Coordinator should have a genuine desire to meet the needs of others across the institution. You will report to the Purchasing Supervisor.
Work environment:

This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus. For those located in the metro area, a minimum of three days per week in the office is expected. Internal and external applicants located near other UMN system campuses and across the State of Minnesota may also be considered, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required for events and all-staff meetings. Out of state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense.

Job Responsibilities with % of time:

Purchasing (85%)

• Under general supervision, uses information and requests received from a portfolio of RRCs to complete the entry of data into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) for purchasing functions following University standard processes and procedures for U Market shopping and order completion, requisition entries, and supplier set up.
• Understands, strictly adheres to, and can explain University purchasing policies and procedures and applies policies to various purchasing scenarios appropriately.
• Conducts research on potential vendors, products, and services. Escalates requests as needed to ensure competitive sourcing is pursued whenever practicable.
• Identifies when legal terms and conditions apply and, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensures contracts are routed to OGC for appropriate review.
• Follows University policy to identify, collect, and draft documentation as required to support a wide variety of purchases.
• Following strict SOPs, works with the Purchasing unit in the Controller’s Office to assist collecting required documentation for purchases.
• Identifies transactions, policy, or system challenges that require escalation to ensure successful resolution and accurate transaction entry.
• Follows established business procedure to identify, collect, and draft required documentation to request a new supplier or request changes to an existing supplier and submits the request for approval.
• Enters and monitors requisitions to ensure approvals and budget checks have occurred in accordance with established business processes.
• Think critically about need, funding source, and cost. Applies knowledge of standard processes and University purchasing methods to ensure the most cost efficient and expeditious outcome of purchasing activity for the University.
• Understands key concepts for purchasing such as price reasonableness, competitive sourcing, and applicable University policies.

Professional Development (10%)

• Contributes to documentation of and participates in training for procedures for the Finance Operations Center.
• Identifies and participates in opportunities for cross-training across Finance Operations Center functions to maintain adequate coverage of all functions.
• Completes professional development, education, and training activities, consistent with performing the responsibilities of the position. Completes continued learning and development appropriate to work duties and for the pursuit of individual, unit, and institutional success.
• Participates in staff development based on individual need including ongoing skills training, DEI development, professional learning, service & scholarly activity, and engagement & well-being.
• As an individual contributor, models and contributes to crafting an inclusive work environment and encouraging a caring culture.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications (please document on resume):

• High school diploma/GED and four years of general purchasing experience
• Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (e.g., chat, word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing)
• Ability to read, interpret, and compile information according to prescribed methods.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel
• Understands key purchasing functions and other guiding concepts with proficiency.

Preferred Qualifications (please document on resume):

• Knowledge of university policies and procedures involving purchasing

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $24.99 - $27.51; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.