Procurement Officer
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Job Location:
Lawrence, KS - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
19 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
40% Procurement Execution & Sourcing Support
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color ethnicity religion sex national origin age ancestry disability status as a veteran sexual orientation marital status parental status gender identity gender expression and genetic information in the universitys programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Room 1082 Dole Human Development Center 1000 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence KSTTY.
Work Schedule
M-F 8a-5p
Contact Information to Applicants
Melanie Ekeland Associate Chief Procurement Officer
Position Overview
The Procurement Officer supports the University of Kansas by coordinating purchasing activities for (a) scientific equipment and consumables (approximately 50% of the portfolio) and (b) a broad range of other university goods and services excluding IT categories (approximately 50%). This role assists with sourcing competitive bidding supplier communication contract coordination and procurement compliance across assigned categories.
The Procurement Officer works closely with campus stakeholdersincluding research labs academic departments administrative units and central operationsto ensure timely compliant and costeffective purchasing. This position supports the development of sourcing strategies conducts market research and helps evaluate supplier proposals under the guidance of senior procurement staff.
The ideal candidate is detailoriented customerfocused and comfortable managing multiple requests in a fastpaced environment. They will collaborate with stakeholders to clarify requirements support informed purchasing decisions and help drive value for the university.
Due to complex state employment laws the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California Delaware Idaho & Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.
- Assist with sourcing scientific equipment laboratory instruments research consumables and related supplies.
- Support competitive bidding activities (RFQs informal bids supplier quote evaluations).
- Conduct basic market research to compare pricing product specifications and supplier capabilities.
- Coordinate with suppliers to obtain quotes product information and leadtime details.
- Help identify costsaving opportunities and valueadded alternatives.
- Maintain accurate procurement documentation in accordance with university policies.
- Draft contracts renewals and amendmentswith limited guidance fromprocurement leadership.
- Review supplier terms for alignment with KU policies and escalate issues as needed.
- Support supplier relationship management by monitoring performance concerns and facilitating communication.
- Track contract expirations and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure timely renewals or rebids.
- Serve as a procurement resource for research labs academic departments and administrative units.
- Help stakeholders understand procurement processes requirements and best practices.
- Clarify purchasing needs and ensure requests are routed appropriately.
- Support crossfunctional collaboration to streamline purchasing and reduce delays.
- Ensure purchases comply with university procurement policies and state regulations
- Maintain accurate records and documentation for audit readiness.
- Identify opportunities to improve procurement workflows and recommend enhancements.
- Participate in training and professional development to strengthen procurement knowledge.
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color ethnicity religion sex national origin age ancestry disability status as a veteran sexual orientation marital status parental status gender identity gender expression and genetic information in the universitys programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Room 1082 Dole Human Development Center 1000 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence KSTTY.
Work Schedule
M-F 8a-5p
Contact Information to Applicants
Melanie Ekeland Associate Chief Procurement Officer
- Bachelors degree and five (5) years of related experience OR Associates degree and seven (7) years of related experience OR high school diploma/GED and ten (10) years of related experience.
- Experience working in a customerserviceoriented environment as demonstrated in application materials.
- Experience that required managing multiple tasks prioritizing work and meeting deadlines as evidenced in application materials.
- Strong written communication and experience that required relationshipbuildingwith internal and external stakeholders as shown in application materials.
- Experience with procurement principles competitive bidding or supplier management as evidenced in application materials.
- Experience using enterprise procurement systems ERP tools or purchasing platforms as shown in application materials.
- Bachelors degree in business supply chain management or related field.
- Experience purchasing scientific equipment laboratory supplies or research consumables as evidenced in application materials.
- Experience in higher education government or publicsector procurement as shown in application materials.
- Professional certification (e.g. CPSD CPSM CPPB or equivalent).
Position Overview
The Procurement Officer supports the University of Kansas by coordinating purchasing activities for (a) scientific equipment and consumables (approximately 50% of the portfolio) and (b) a broad range of other university goods and services excluding IT categories (approximately 50%). This role assists with sourcing competitive bidding supplier communication contract coordination and procurement compliance across assigned categories.
The Procurement Officer works closely with campus stakeholdersincluding research labs academic departments administrative units and central operationsto ensure timely compliant and costeffective purchasing. This position supports the development of sourcing strategies conducts market research and helps evaluate supplier proposals under the guidance of senior procurement staff.
The ideal candidate is detailoriented customerfocused and comfortable managing multiple requests in a fastpaced environment. They will collaborate with stakeholders to clarify requirements support informed purchasing decisions and help drive value for the university.
Due to complex state employment laws the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California Delaware Idaho & Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.
In addition to the online application the following documentsare required tobe considered for this position:
- Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
- Resume.
- List of three (3) professional references.
Only complete applications will be considered.
Application review begins Monday February 9 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicantsisidentified.
- Occasional day travel for mandatory inperson training workshops in Lawrence KS 2-3 times per year and one (1)regional procurement conferences that is 2-3 nights annually.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Key Skills
- Editorial
- Access
- Contract Attorney
- Front Desk Reception
- Games
- Airlines
About Company
Thank you for your interest in employment with the University of Kansas. If you need assistance with the application process please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 785-864-4946.
