Purchasing & Procurement Specialist

Purchasing & Procurement Specialist

The Board of Regents Division of Finance and Administration oversees financial and budget matters, administrative policies and procedures, and facilities in fulfillment of a primary Constitutional mandate of the Board of Regents. The Division reviews annual budget proposals for the operating and capital needs of each public institution before compiling the Regents' higher education budget recommendations.

The Purchasing & Procurement Specialist is a Board of Regents position assigned to provide procurement and purchasing services for the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON). Reporting within the Division of Finance and Administration, this position is responsible for activities related to the procurement, purchasing, and contracting of materials, supplies, equipment, and services for LUMCON. The incumbent assists and collaborates with other Division staff to support the organization's operational and financial objectives.

The Board of Regents (BoR) is established in the Louisiana Constitution as the state's coordinating board for higher education, working with four management boards, 32 public degree-granting institutions, and four special-purpose institutions. The BoR sets statewide policy related to higher education; advocates for higher education systems and institutions; distributes state-provided funding in accordance with legislative actions; and administers granting programs related to the advancement of the missions of postsecondary education systems and institutions.

The BoR contains three programs which include the Board of Regents, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA), and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON).

An ideal candidate should possess the following skills and competencies:

• Knowledge of purchasing processes and corresponding accounting concepts
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated as well as work with a team.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in business, Accounting, Finance or a related field OR
• Associates degree with two years of professional level experience performing similar duties to those described for this position OR
• Four years of professional level experience performing similar duties to those described for this position

Experience

• Professional level experience is in purchasing, procurement, accounting, finance, or another business-related field.
• Prior experience with the LaGOV ERP system

Technical competencies

• Proficient in Excel.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Skilled in drafting contracts and agreements for grant awards and sub-awards.

Preference may be given to candidates possessing:

• Experience using the LaGov Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
• Knowledge of the Louisiana Office of State Procurement rules, regulations, guidelines, and procedures related to purchasing and professional service contracts.

Job duties include:

• Procurement & Purchasing
• Contract Administration & Compliance
• Records Management & Financial Documentation
• Training & Professional Development

Position-specific details include:

• Appointment Type:
  This position is an unclassified appointment and may be filled through external recruitment or promotion of a current employee.
• Worksite
  
  Location:
  
  Cocodrie, Louisiana
• Work Schedule:
  
  Monday through Friday business hours, with occasional evening, weekend, and travel requirements as operational needs dictate.
• Security Requirements: A range of professional and safety training is required annually for all state employees, as well as adherence to cybersecurity protocols implemented by the state and agency. Access to driving records is required to drive state-owned vehicles or rentals on state contract. A background check is required.
• Physical Demands:
  The position will be housed in a standard office environment. Typing is essential to completing job tasks. Minimal standing, stooping, and light lifting (up to 20 pounds) may be required. Occasional weekend/evening work and infrequent travel may be necessary. Accommodations are available for those unable to meet the physical requirements of the position.
• Travel Requirements:
  Travel may include local, statewide, national, or occasional regional travel to support agency operations, meetings, conferences, and strategic initiatives.

Benefits information includes:

• Health & Life:
  Fulltime employees are eligible for group health and life insurance coverage through the Office of Group Benefits.
• Retirement:
  Full-time employees are required to contribute 8% of their base pay to a Louisiana retirement system. The retirement system provides retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. Regents' employees have the option of joining the Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). ORP is also…