Purchasing Specialist II

Position Overview

Purchasing Specialist II – Finance Operations Center, Controller's Office, University of Minnesota.

Responsible for receiving, evaluating, processing, and coordinating a variety of requests for complex purchasing services for a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs). Works with Fin Ops teams, university stakeholders, and external suppliers to ensure appropriate and timely support.

Hybrid position based on the Twin Cities campus. Minimum of three days per week in the office is expected for metro-area employees. Candidates near other UMN system campuses within Minnesota are also considered. Occasional travel to Twin Cities campus may be required. Out‑of‑state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense.

Purchasing (70%)

• Under moderate supervision, enter data into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) for purchasing functions following university standard processes and procedures.
• Understand and apply university purchasing policies and procedures to various scenarios.
• Conduct research on potential vendors, solicit quotes, analyze responses, and present results for purchases under the formal bidding threshold.
• Identify when legal terms and conditions apply and ensure contracts are routed to OGC for review.
• Collect and draft documentation to support complex purchases and new or changed suppliers.
• Enter and monitor requisitions to ensure approvals and budget checks have occurred.
• Apply knowledge of chart of accounts, price reasonableness, competitive sourcing, and policies to ensure cost efficiency.
• Assess and resolve moderately complex procurement issues, including requisition change orders and PO sourcing and dispatch tracking.
• Advising departments and Fin Ops colleagues on appropriate purchasing and payment methods using procure‑to‑pay knowledge.
• Serve as purchasing subject‑matter expert, facilitating meetings between Fin Ops technicians, customers, and suppliers to clarify payments, documentation, and policy requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Guide purchases at or above $10,000 up to the formal bidding threshold, ensuring competitive processes are used.

Unit Support (15%)

• Assist strategy of the Finance Operations Center by producing and reviewing supporting financial data.
• Prepare ad‑hoc financial reports for the purchasing operation and RRC catalog.
• Participate in the Quality Assurance program by running reports, reviewing transactions, and recommending training or procedural improvements.
• Design and deliver on‑demand training sessions to Fin Ops colleagues; mentor new or less experienced team members.

Professional Development (10%)

• Contribute to documentation and training for Finance Operations Center procedures.
• Participate in cross‑training opportunities to maintain coverage of all functions.
• Complete professional development, education, and training activities consistent with duties.
• Engage in staff development including DEI initiatives, professional learning, service and scholarly activity, and well‑being.
• Model and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

Assigned as needed (5%).

• BA/BS degree with two+ years of related experience or a combination equal to six+ years.
• Proficiency with standard technology platforms (word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing).
• Ability to run reports, clean and analyze data, and present results clearly.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel.
• Clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Knowledge of university purchasing policies and procedures.
• Experience in a public procurement setting (supplier sourcing, market research, RFPs, sole‑source justification).
• Experience or certification in formal process improvement methodology.
• Experience delivering training or teaching in purchasing or related fields.

Pay Range
: $27.93 – $31.45 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment
: 100% Appointment.

Position Type
:
Civil‑Service &…