Purchasing and Accts Payable Manager

Position Title: Purchasing and Accts Payable Manager   Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)   Department:

56500 - Purchasing Office

  Advertised Salary: $96,628   Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans

  FLSA: Exempt   Temporary/Continuing:  Continuing   Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time   Union Group: N/A   Term of Position: 12 Month   At Will/Just Cause: Just Cause   Summary of Position: The manager is responsible for the acquisition of goods and services in accordance with University Purchasing Policies. The manager will provide leadership, direction, and vision to the department staff and related departments. This includes leading new and additional procurement efforts/projects to meet future demands and add value to the procurement process, and interpreting and enforcing all University Policies. This can include procedures related to procurement, oversight of the ERP purchasing systems, and coordination with other areas to assure system/data integrity. The manager will be responsible for procuring, negotiating, and managing campus-wide agreements. The manager will represent the department in various committees, both on and off campus. The manager is involved in developing standards and specifications to assist the University community in acquiring high-quality materials, equipment, and services that deliver long-term value. This includes contract negotiations, review, and maintenance related to the acquisition of goods and services, as well as the development and oversight of bid documents for various departments and commodities. The manager will lead the Purchasing, Disbursements, and Accounts Payable staff in their respective duties, make sound judgments, and empower them to make independent decisions. The manager must be able to communicate effectively with a range of students, faculty, staff, vendors, and other visitors across a variety of situations to advance the functions and contributions of Purchasing, Disbursements, and Accounts Payable.

The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future. The university will not assist with any F-1 EADs, OPT, H-1 B, etc.   Position Type: Staff   Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field.   Required Work Experience: - Minimum of 5 years of experience in the Purchasing field, involving contract negotiation, administrative decision making, and one year of supervisory experience. Understanding and experience with relational databases, electronic purchasing systems, and contract negotiations.
- Must have a thorough understanding of purchasing principles and experience with multiple commodity categories.
- Must demonstrate professionalism, critical thinking, and strong business acumen.   Required Licenses and Certifications:     Physical Demands:

• Office Environment
• Sitting

  Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: - Experience in non-profit, governmental, or higher education procurement. Understanding and experience with relational ERP software, such as Banner.
- Experience in working with automated purchasing systems is a plus
- Experience with Procurement Strategies as well as Cost Improvement Initiatives.   Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Lead Purchasing, Disbursement, and AP teams.

Align department objectives with the University's strategic financial plans.

Enforce ethical behavior, university core values, and customer service.

Ensure campus-wide compliance with purchasing and travel policies.

Oversee RFx processes, negotiate university-wide contracts, and resolve vendor disputes.

Conduct spend evaluations to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Ensure fair competition among all suppliers, including disadvantaged business entities

Guarantee accurate, timely vendor payments and support annual audits.

Optimize ERP, e-procurement, and expense systems

Streamline AP and procurement workflows through automation.

Train university departments on procurement, AP, and ERP system requirements.

Review and update purchasing policies based on leadership feedback.

Demonstrated ability to multitask and work with minimal management oversight.
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