Procurement Specialist

POSITION CODE: 7692

POSITION: Procurement Specialist

Campus Location: Redlands CA

APPOINTMENT: Exempt

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: Office of Business & Finance

Hiring Range: $26.00

AVAILABLE: September 1 2025

POSTING DATE: August 1 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.

Definition of Classification:

The Procurement Specialist serves as a key contributor to the University of Redlands procurement operations by delivering advanced analytical support strategic reporting and operational insights that enhance the efficiency accountability and transparency of the procurement lifecycle. Reporting directly to the Director of Procurement this position is responsible for interpreting and transforming complex procurement data into actionable intelligence to support supplier evaluation contract negotiation spend forecasting category management and cost-reduction initiatives.

This role ensures data integrity and visibility across the Universitys purchasing functions and drives value creation through data-informed decisions scenario modeling and performance metrics. The Procurement Specialist partners closely with Buyers Finance and departmental stakeholders to improve sourcing outcomes monitor procurement KPIs and support long-term planning. The position also plays a pivotal role in identifying risks consolidating spend opportunities and aligning procurement practices with institutional goals regulatory compliance and sustainability objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct in-depth analysis of supplier proposals market data and historical spend to support vendor selection contract terms and negotiation strategy.
• Analyze University-wide purchasing behavior to identify cost-saving opportunities demand patterns and areas for strategic sourcing
• Collaborate with Buyers and internal departments to develop supply plans and forecast procurement needs based on institutional priorities and service level requirements.
• Translate complex procurement challenges into structured models and scenarios to aid decision-making and category planning
• Build and maintain dynamic cost models for high-value or strategic goods and services.
• Compare supplier cost structures against internal benchmarks to evaluate pricing competitiveness
• Track actual costs versus estimated pricing and analyze variances to support continuous improvement and contract enforcement.
• Assist in the preparation of annual procurement budgets and long-term financial forecasts by integrating pricing trends and industry insights.

• Design and maintain dashboards and reports to monitor procurement activities supplier performance and key metrics such as on-time delivery contract utilization and savings realized.
• Monitor departmental compliance with purchasing policies and identify opportunities for improvement or training.
• Provide reports and summaries for institutional leadership audits and internal reviews ensuring transparency in procurement practices.
• Support spend data audits and supplier usage tracking to support diversity equity and sustainability reporting.

• Maintain data accuracy within procurement modules of the ERP system and procurement tracking tools.
• Collaborate with IT and Finance to enhance reporting capabilities integrate data sources and implement new procurement technologies.
• Support configuration and documentation of procurement-related systems workflows and digital forms.
• Research emerging analytics tools and procurement software solutions to improve data visibility and reporting efficiency.

• Conduct gap analyses and root cause evaluations to propose process enhancements for purchasing workflows and interdepartmental communication.
• Participate in cross-functional projects involving contract lifecycle management e-procurement implementation or category strategy development.
• Support the evaluation of procurement best practices and benchmark performance against peer institutions.
• Serve as a resource on procurement policy interpretation and compliance with institutional guidelines and legal requirements
• May travel to various locations to attend meetings and conduct work

• Performs Other Duties and Special Projects as Required/Assigned

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent supplemented with two years of additional course work in related fields such as business purchasing procurement finance and accounting or a related analytical field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Two plus years of analytical support experience or related experience including the ability to use Microsoft Office software programs such as excel and word
• A valid California Class C drivers license with a with a good driving record is required
• Demonstrated experience working with large data sets procurement analytics or enterprise-level information systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration Supply Chain Management Finance Economics Data Analytics or a related field is preferred
• Progressively responsible experience in procurement supply chain operations financial planning is preferred
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g. Workday Oracle SAP) and procurement or finance modules.
• Familiarity with data visualization platforms (e.g. Power BI Tableau) and proficiency in Excel (pivot tables lookups modeling).
• Experience in higher education public sector procurement or grant-funded procurement environments is a plus.
• Procurement certifications (e.g. CPSM CPPB) or Lean Six Sigma exposure are desirable.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong analytical and quantitative reasoning skills with the ability to distill complex data into accessible reports and insights.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines with high accuracy and minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and fluency with data management tools.
• High degree of integrity sound judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive procurement practices and engaging with a culturally and ethnically diverse campus community.
• Ability to work independently with interruptions and prioritize to meet deadlines

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Aptitude to learn new technology methods and procedures.
• Ability to develop maintain and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the university
• Ability to use appropriate judgment when making decisions and recommendations.
• Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students faculty and staff

To apply: Please submit the following through the University of Redlands Employment Portal.

HIRING RANGE:Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification commensurate with candidates education experience skills and training. The University of Redlands is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience skills knowledge abilities education licensure and certifications and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is defined as the Full Pay Range. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is defined as theHiring Range. Placement within the Hiring Range is determined by internal equity and relevant qualifications.

BACKGROUND CHECK:Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The University will make a conditional offer of employment which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current employee who was conditionally offered the position.

DRIVERS LICENSE CHECK:Possession of a valid Drivers License is required for certain positions. Employees in positions that require a valid Drivers License will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid drivers license and reflects driving record.

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS:For certain positions typically in Public Safety Facilities Athletics and Information Technology Services departments employment is contingent upon a candidate passing a pre-employment physical exam with the ability to lift in excess of 50 Safety Officers in addition to a pre-employment physical exam will also be required to pass a psychological evaluation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT Human Resources ()

SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.

MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority