Purchasing Manager

About Kettering:
Kettering University is a national leader in experiential STEM and business education, integrating an intense academic curriculum with applied professional experience. We inspire students to realize their potential and advance their ideas by combining theory and practice better than any institution in the world. Kettering University is dedicated to achieving the extraordinary through technological innovation, leadership, and service, built on values that foster respect, integrity, creativity, collaboration, and excellence in growth, global leadership, community outreach, and an engaged community of stakeholders.

Benefits: include health, dental and vision coverage; retirement benefits with up to a 9% Kettering matching contribution; life and accident insurance; tuition assistance and waiver programs; vacation and holiday pay; sick and disability pay; home purchase assistance program; recreation center membership; and many other benefits.

To learn more please view the Kettering University Profile.

• Experience in higher education or non-profit.
• Experience using Ellucian Banner Finance or a comparable enterprise resource planning or purchasing system preferred.
• Comfort using AI-enabled tools to support research, drafting, analysis, and workflow efficiency, with appropriate attention to accuracy, confidentiality, and University policies, preferred.

Job Specific Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Legal Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Two or more years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing, contract administration, paralegal work, vendor management, or a related area
• Strong contracting and negotiation skills.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating contracts, identifying potential business or institutional risks, and escalating concerns when appropriate.
• Experience supporting sourcing activities, including RFP / RFQ development, vendor evaluation, negotiations, and supplier management.

Competency Requirements

• Understanding and commitment to Kettering values:
  • RESPECT : for teamwork, honesty, encouragement, diversity partnerships with students.
  • INTEGRITY : including accountability, transparency and ethics.
  • CREATIVITY : fostering flexibility and innovation.
  • COLLABORATION : across disciplines and with all partners.
  • EXCELLENCE : in all we do.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills in both written and verbal formats.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with all levels of an organization.
• Ability to use the Microsoft Office and Google suites and other hardware/software as needed.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; able to follow through with commitments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously, including the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to make decisions within stated scope.

Posting Information

Posting Number

Posting Number SP00492

Posting Date

Posting Date 09/17/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Job Duties

Percent of total time

Percent of total time 100

Duties

• Manage the daily operations of the purchasing function to ensure that the university’s policies and practices allow timely, efficient, and ethical delivery of essential goods and services to the Kettering community.
• Evaluate, make recommendations, and develop University-wide procurement policies and procedures for the implementation of standards that represent best practices in compliance with all applicable Federal and State rules and regulations.
• Develop positive relationships and partner with Vice Presidents, Provost Office, Deans, Directors, Department Heads,…