Purchasing Specialist

Position: Purchasing Specialist I - #000202
Location: Cullowhee

Posting Number EHRA
1070P Quick Link for Internal Postings (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Classification Title Purchasing Specialist I Working Title Purchasing Specialist I - #000202 Department Purchasing & Accounts Payable Anticipated Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions. About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

* 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.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week Number of Months Per Year 12

Posting Text

Open Date 05/20/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a listing of at least three professional references (with complete contact information).

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected.

For questions or additional information, please contact John Hamm

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE…