Purchasing Specialist I

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Tuition assistance programs

Comprehensive benefits package

Retirement plans

Paid holidays and generous time off

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Purchasing Specialist I to support the Finance Operations Center within the Controller’s Office. You will manage purchasing requests for a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers, ensuring policy-compliant, timely processing and supplier setup.

You’ll work with TDx/Google Suite and finance teams, communicating clearly and collaborating across units. This hybrid role emphasizes accuracy, support for RRCs, and professional development within FinOps.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to run reports and analyze data to inform purchasing decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Familiar with standard technology platforms (e.g., spreadsheets, email, data entry).

Responsibilities

• Enter and process data into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) for purchasing functions following policy.
• Research and solicit quotes, analyze responses, and advise on purchases under bidding threshold.
• Identify contracts requiring legal review and route to OGC when needed.
• Prepare documentation for supplier setup and changes per University policy.
• Support reporting and data provision for the Finance Operations Center and RRCs.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data interpretation

Communication skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

BA/BS degree

Job description

About the Job

The University of Minnesota seeks a Purchasing Specialist I to support our Financial Operation Center department within the Controller’s Office. The Purchasing Specialist I is responsible for receiving, evaluating, processing, and coordinating a variety of requests for moderately complex purchasing services in support of a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs) in the Finance Operations Center (FinOps). The Purchasing Specialist I 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 Specialist I, 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, the Purchasing Specialist I 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 (75%)

• Under general supervision, use 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 order completion, requisition entries, and supplier set up.
• Understands and can explain University purchasing policies and procedures and applies these to a variety of complex purchasing scenarios appropriately using sound rationale.
• Conducts research on potential vendors, products, and services. Solicits quotes, analyzes responses, and presents results and alternatives as requested for purchases under the formal bidding threshold. Exercises judgement and policy knowledge to advise Requesters on the purchasing process.
• Identifies when legal terms and conditions apply and ensures contracts are routed to OGC for appropriate review when necessary.
• Identifies, collects, and drafts documentation as required by University policy to support a wide variety of complex purchases.
• 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.
• Identifies, collects, and drafts 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.
• 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 how to apply University policies.
• Uses information and requests received to assess and resolve moderately complex procurement issues, for the entry of requisition change orders, and the tracking and resolution of issues related to PO sourcing and dispatch.

Unit Support (10%)

• Supports the strategy of the Finance Operations Center by assisting in the production and review of supporting financial data.
• Prepares ad hoc financial reports as needed to support the overall purchasing operation for the Finance Operations Center and for the catalog of RRCs.

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)

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.
• Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (e.g., chat, word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing)
• Ability to run reports, understand data, and make recommendations based on analysis of data.
• Ability to find solutions to modestly technical or operational problems.
• 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

Preferred Qualifications (please document on resume)

• Knowledge of university policies and procedures involving purchasing.
• Experience in a public procurement setting including supplier sourcing, market research, RFPs, sole source justification, etc.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range

$24.56 - $28.23; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment

100% Appointment

Position Type

Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.