Purchasing Specialist

University of North Carolina Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 68,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement options

Paid leave

Tuition opportunities

Job summary

The Purchasing Specialist at University of North Carolina Wilmington is responsible for procuring a diverse portfolio of commodities and services, ensuring best value, quality, and compliance across the campus. You will work with internal clients to identify needs, develop sourcing strategies, and administer RFQs, RFPs, and IFBs.

The role requires strong research and analytical skills, effective communication, and collaboration with stakeholders to achieve timely, compliant procurement outcomes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or associate's degree with two years of related experience.
• Three or more years of procurement experience.
• Experience with e-procurement systems such as Jaggaer, SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement Cloud.
• Ability to develop scopes of work for RFPs/IFBs and contracts.
• Knowledge of NC general statutes related to purchases and contracts.
• Procurement certifications (CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, NIGP-CPP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement of a diverse portfolio of commodities and services.
• Develop sourcing strategies and administer RFQs, RFPs, and IFBs.
• Guide contracts terms, evaluate proposals, and award vendor agreements.
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to ensure timely, compliant outcomes.

Skills

Procurement experience

Contract interpretation

Vendor management

Sourcing strategies

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree + 2 years experience

Tools

Jaggaer

SAP Ariba

Oracle Procurement Cloud

Job description

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers. Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life-creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally. As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Hiring Range

$67,707 - $72,191

Working Title

Purchasing Specialist

External Link to Posting

https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/40850

Vacancy Number

E1618

Position Number

1750

Location of Workplace

Main UNCW Campus

Home Department

Purchasing - 35110

Division

Business Affairs - 35 Division

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Purchasing Specialist position is responsible for managing the procurement of a diverse portfolio of commodities and services, ensuring the best value, quality, and compliance for the University. The ideal candidate will possess strong research and analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This position works independently with clients across campus to identify procurement needs, develop sourcing strategies, and facilitate the acquisition of a wide range of goods and services. The Purchasing Specialist provides guidance on contractual terms and conditions, evaluates supplier proposals, and makes recommendations regarding contract awards and vendor agreements. The position is responsible for developing and administering Requests for Quotes (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Invitations for Bids (IFBs), as well as processing requisitions, purchase orders, and related procurement transactions. The role requires collaboration with campus stakeholders to ensure timely, effective, and compliant procurement outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough research on assigned commodities, including gathering descriptive literature and pricing information.


• Maintain and update contracts in the Contract Tracker system, and develop electronic catalogs to support the university's mission.


• Collaborate with departments to understand product applications, make plant visits, and assist in preparing specifications.


• Refer to the state contract directory to ensure compliance with state contracts, and seek competitive quotes for items not covered.


• Engage in high-volume daily interactions with colleagues, internal and external stakeholders, educational institutions, state agencies, and vendors.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree; or Associate's degree and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Three or more years of procurement experience


• The ability to comprehend and interpret NC general statutes as it relates to purchases and contracts


• Experience using e-procurement systems such as Jaggaer, SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement Cloud, etc.


• Ability to develop scopes of work for Request for Proposals and/or Invitations for Bid


• Nationally recognized procurement certification is preferred (i.e., CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, etc.)

Required Certifications or Licensures

While no certifications or licensures are required at the time of hire, candidates should be prepared to obtain the following within specified timeframes:

Within one year of employment:

• North Carolina Contract Manager certification

Within three years of employment, one of the following certifications:

• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)


• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)


• NIGP-Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP)

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Purchasing Department plays a crucial role in supporting the University's educational mission by helping departments acquire high-quality goods and services at the best possible prices and within the required timeframes. Our team is responsible for generating and managing contracts and leases, overseeing asset management from acquisition to disposal, and processing requisitions efficiently while adhering to state purchasing requirements, UNCW policies, and the highest ethical standards. Our primary focus is to meet the needs of the University community.

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking. A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation's only bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering. The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UN Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Months Per Year

12 Months

FTE

1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Type of Position

Permanent

Job Posting Date

09/18/2026

Posting Close Date

09/29/2026