Purchasing Specialist I - #000202

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC is seeking a Procurement Specialist to manage the acquisition of goods and services in compliance with state regulations and university policies.

You will work with an automated purchasing system and must communicate clearly with vendors and university staff to interpret rules and ensure proper purchasing procedures.

Qualifications

• Must have excellent oral and written communication.
• Ability to interpret and explain university and state purchasing rules.

Responsibilities

• Procure goods and services in accordance with NC procurement regulations and WCU policies.
• Operate and navigate an automated purchasing system.
• Communicate requirements and decisions clearly to vendors and university staff.

Skills

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree; or Associate’s degree and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Anticipated Hiring Range Based On qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.

About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year.

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

• Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.
• Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
• Optional disability plans are also available.
• Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.
• Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. Position will be responsible for the procurement of goods and services in accordance with the state of North Caroline Procurement Regulations and Western Carolina University policies and procedures. Procurement process involves significant work with an automated purchasing system. Must have knowledge of generally accepted purchasing practices and bid procedures. Must possess the ability to work with computers and various software programs. Requires excellent communication skills, both oral and written; and must possess ability to interpret and explain university and state rules, regulations, and policies relevant to purchasing.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. 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 Qualifications

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Months Per Year

Number of Months Per Year 12

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Resume
• List of references

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).