Purchasing Specialist I

Recruitment Title: Purchasing Specialist I
Job Classification: 8221PR - Fin Pro 1 - Purchasing

This is a PEAK position.

Work environment: Hybrid (minimum three days in the office). This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus for those located in the metro area. Applicants located near other UMN system campuses or working remotely from home 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.

Position Overview:
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.

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%)

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 Range: $24.00 - $30.07; 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

This application will remain open until filled.

Candidates for this position will have their applications reviewed in the following order:
1. Employees within PEAK Phase 3 who are eligible for Expression of Interest (EOI) will receive first consideration.
2. Employees within PEAK Phase 3 who are impacted by work moving through PEAK and apply by 11/21/25 will receive priority consideration after EOI.
3. Finally, all other University employees will be reviewed after the 11/21/25 priority date.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).