Assistant Director of Procurement Services - Purchasing

The University at Albany is a Carnegie-classified Research 1 institution driven by academic excellence, pioneering research and scientific discovery, and service to community. UAlbany's world-class faculty experts and approximately 17,500 students are creating new knowledge in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor engineering, atmospheric and environmental sciences, cybersecurity, public health, public administration and social welfare while deepening our understanding of our world through scholarship and creative activity in the social sciences and humanities.

As one of the most diverse public research institutions in the nation, the University is a national leader in public engagement, educational equity and social mobility. For over 180 years, UAlbany has molded bright, curious and engaged students and launched them toward success Located in Albany, New York, New York State s capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks.

The Office of Procurement Services, University at Albany, State University of New York, supports the academic community through the purchase of goods and services necessary to fulfill its mission to teach, learn and serve. The department seeks to provide effective and efficient services while ensuring process integrity and compliance with State University of New York and New York State procurement regulations.

The University Procurement Office:

• Oversees the purchase of commodities and services.
• Assists departments with their procurement needs through processing of purchase orders, development of requests for proposals (bids, quotes, etc.), and coordination of proposal/bid review.
• Prepares and negotiates contracts and agreements with external vendors and organizations.
• Ensures compliance with State University of New York and New York State governmental purchasing policies and procedures.
• Prepares contracts and agreements for internal and external review and approvals.
• Reviews, edits and negotiates acceptable contract and agreement language.
• Obtains University, State, and vendor approvals on procurement documents.
• Educates the University community on procurement rules, regulations, and best practices.

Reporting to the Director of Procurement Services, the Assistant Director interacts with University departments, vendors, SUNY System Administration, the NYS Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), and NYS Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in the conduct of duties and responsibilities. Daily responsibilities include effective and efficient preparation of purchases, Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), leading the proposal review process, effective negotiation of agreement language, and awards of purchase orders and contracts in accordance with University, SUNY, and New York State (NYS) requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop specialized procurements and contracts requiring unique specifications and/or integration of strategic, financial, contractual, and risk management elements to ensure legal and programmatic requirements are met. Ensures each purchase agreement satisfactorily meets the needs of the University through research and problem resolution.
• Monitor and track procurement requests to ensure timely and accurate processing including maintenance of metrics for tracking contracts and purchase orders, monitor existing contracts and develop a process for competitively bidding on a timely basis.
• Develop, document, and implement departmental procedures to improve efficiencies and ensure compliance with NYS and SUNY procurement rules including advisement to staff and training while effectively meeting customer requirements.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with SUNY policies and procedures, State laws and regulations including proactive communication with various oversight agencies regarding procurement activities while maintaining independent comprehensive knowledge of policies and regulations.
• Lead and manage direct reports/team providing guidance, support, and performance feedback to assure goals, programs, activities, and personnel practices are consistent with and contribute to the University s mission. Lead employees for maximum performance and dedication, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Complete performance management feedback and goals timely and per requirements,…