Senior Staff Assistant

Buffalo State University; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Buffalo State University in Buffalo, NY invites applications for the Manager of Facilities Business Operations. This role oversees procurement activities, contract management, and departmental financial analysis to support facilities operations.

It leads purchasing for materials and service contracts, tracks spending, and identifies opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies. The position provides supervisory oversight for key operational areas and ensures procurement decisions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (Business Administration/Management, Finance, Economics, or Information Systems) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience and strong knowledge in procurement processes, vendor negotiations, purchasing, or contract management
• Experience with financial analysis, budgeting, or expense monitoring
• Experience working in facilities, operations, or related service environments
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across departments and manage vendor relationships; able to convey technical and non-technical information
• Supervisory or team lead experience
• Physical ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, capable of lifting 50 pounds, able to work in varied indoor and outdoor environments
• Ability to analyze financial data, monitor spending trends, and identify cost saving opportunities
• Proficiency in budget tracking, financial reporting, and preparing analysis for leadership
• Understanding of facilities operations to support informed purchasing and contract decisions
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and timelines
• Be adaptable and comfortable working in a traditionally hands on, field focused environment where communication styles may be direct

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement activities, contract management, and departmental financial analysis.
• Manage purchasing for materials and service contracts, track spending, and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Provide supervisory oversight for key operational areas, ensuring procurement decisions align with departmental needs and budget priorities.

Skills

Procurement

Vendor negotiations

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Staff supervision

Facilities operations

Communication

Cross‑functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Equivalent experience

Job description

Job Opportunities at Buffalo State University

Buffalo State is one of the largest comprehensive schools in the State University of New York system. As a civically minded, urban-engaged campus community located in the city’s cultural corridor, Buffalo State prides itself as having smaller learning environments coupled with larger university opportunities. Boasting a diverse and inclusive campus, Buffalo State is committed to the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The school’s mission is to deliver a broad array of high-quality and distinctive academic programs infused with diversity, creativity, and hands-on learning opportunities for hardworking students who seek a personalized and affordable education that engages their minds and advances their careers. Buffalo State is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, service, scholarship, creative activity, and cultural enrichment. With degree programs in education, the arts, science, arts and humanities, and professional studies, each year over 6,000 students choose Buffalo State. Buffalo State welcomes applicants who are committed to helping us fulfill our mission.

Faculty/Professional

Faculty/Professional Professional

Department

Department Facilities Office

Local Title

Local Title Manager of Facilities Business Operations

Internal applications will be given priority consideration for the position of Manager of Facilities Business Operations. This position supports the AVP for Facilities & Planning by overseeing procurement activities, contract management, and departmental financial analysis. It manages purchasing for materials and service contracts, tracks spending, and identifies opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies. The role also provides supervisory oversight for key operational areas, ensuring that procurement decisions align with departmental needs and budget priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (Business Administration/Management, Finance, Economics, or Information Systems) or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience and strong knowledge in procurement processes, vendor negotiations, purchasing, or contract management
• Experience with financial analysis, budgeting, or expense monitoring
• Experience working in facilities, operations, or related service environments
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across departments and manage vendor relationships; able to convey technical and non-technical information
• Supervisory or team lead experience
• Physical ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, capable of lifting 50 pounds, able to work in varied indoor and outdoor environments
• Ability to analyze financial data, monitor spending trends, and identify cost saving opportunities
• Proficiency in budget tracking, financial reporting, and preparing analysis for leadership
• Understanding of facilities operations to support informed purchasing and contract decisions
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and timelines
• Be adaptable and comfortable working in a traditionally hands on, field focused environment where communication styles may be direct

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution that subscribes to all federal, state, and SUNY legal requirements and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status (Nondiscrimination Notice). Any violation of this policy should be reported to the Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office, Cleveland Hall 204, [phone]. Buffalo State is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Warnes at [e-mail] or call [phone].

Applicants interested in positions may access the Annual Security Report ( ASR ) for SUNY Buffalo State at http://police.buffalostate.edu . The ASR contains information on campus security policies and certain campus crime statistics. Crime statistics are reported in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Applicants may request a hard copy of the ASR by contacting the SUNY Buffalo State University Police Department at [phone].

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Buffalo State website
  • Buffalo News
  • Buffalo Rocket
  • Challenger
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • HigherEdJobs
  • Panorama Hispano News
  • Employee Referral
  • Other
• * All applicants are subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The college's Pre-Employment Background Screening Policy is available at http://hr.buffalostate.edu/pre-employment-background-screening. Prior to an offer of employment, an applicant will be required to sign an authorization release form, allowing Buffalo State to conduct a background investigation. Failure of an applicant to sign the authorization release form will disqualify an applicant from further consideration for appointment.
  • I agree to comply with the college's policy.
  • I do not agree to comply with the college's policy. (Note, this selection will disqualify you from further consideration for appointment.)
• * Internal employees will be given priority consideration for this position. Buffalo State University internal employees are defined as those who are currently paid from any State-appropriated funds payroll (i.e., State Funds, Income Fund Reimbursable, Residence Halls, Summer Session). Employees of the Research Foundation and the Buffalo State University Foundation are NOT State employees. Are you an employee at Buffalo State University paid from a State-appropriated funds payroll?
  • Yes
  • No

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Names and Contact Information for 3 Professional References

Optional Documents