Purchasing Specialist I - #000202

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Anticipated Hiring Range Based On qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year.

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

• Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.
• Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
• Optional disability plans are also available.
• Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.
• Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. Position will be responsible for the procurement of goods and services in accordance with the state of North Caroline Procurement Regulations and Western Carolina University policies and procedures. Procurement process involves significant work with an automated purchasing system. Must have knowledge of generally accepted purchasing practices and bid procedures.

Must possess the ability to work with computers and various software programs. Requires excellent communication skills, both oral and written; and must possess ability to interpret and explain university and state rules, regulations, and policies relevant to purchasing.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. Bachelor’s degree; or Associate’s degree and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Position Type Permanent Full-Time

Number of Months Per Year 12

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification…