Purchasing Coordinator

Position Overview:

The University of Minnesota seeks a Purchasing Coordinator to support our Financial Operation
Center department within the Controller's Office. The Purchasing Coordinator is responsible for
receiving, evaluating, processing, and coordinating a variety of requests for general and routine
purchasing services in support of a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs) in the
Finance Operations Center (FinOps). The Purchasing Coordinator communicates with other
FinOps teams as needed, finance professionals across the University, and suppliers outside the
University to ensure appropriate and timely support for RRCs. To succeed as a Purchasing
Coordinator, you should be professional, a team player, and attentive while being
detail-oriented. You must be comfortable with using technology such as TeamDynamix (TDX)
and Google Suite and excel at both verbal and written communication. Most importantly, a
Purchasing Coordinator should have a genuine desire to meet the needs of others across the
institution. You will report to the Purchasing Supervisor.

This position is a hybrid of onsite and remote work.

Bargaining unit consideration begins on 04/02/25 and ends on 04/09/2025.

The shift and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Overtime and Sunday (or weekend work) are not a condition of employment.

Job Responsibilities:

Purchasing 85%

• Under general supervision, uses information and requests received from a portfolio of
  RRCs to complete the entry of data into EFS for purchasing functions following University
  standard processes and procedures for U Market shopping and order completion,
  requisition entries, and supplier set up.
• Understands, strictly adheres to, and can explain University purchasing policies and
  procedures and applies policies to various purchasing scenarios appropriately.
• Conducts research on potential vendors, products, and services. Escalates requests as
  needed to ensure competitive sourcing is pursued whenever practicable.
• Identifies when legal terms and conditions apply and, following Standard Operating
  Procedures (SOPs), ensures contracts are routed to OGC for appropriate review.
• Follows University policy to identify, collect, and draft documentation as required to
  support a wide variety of purchases.
• Following strict SOPs, works with the Purchasing unit in the Controller's Office to assist
  collecting required documentation for purchases.
• Identifies transactions, policy, or system challenges that require escalation to ensure
  successful resolution and accurate transaction entry.
• Follows established business procedure to identify, collect, and draft required
  documentation to request a new supplier or request changes to an existing supplier and
  submits the request for approval.
• Enters and monitors requisitions to ensure approvals and budget checks have occurred
  in accordance with established business processes.
• Think critically about need, funding source, and cost. Applies knowledge of standard
  processes and University purchasing methods to ensure the most cost efficient and
  expeditious outcome of purchasing activity for the University.
• Understands key concepts for purchasing such as price reasonableness, competitive
  sourcing, and applicable University policies.

Professional Development 10%

• Contributes to documentation of and participates in training for procedures for the
  Finance Operations Center.
• Identifies and participates in opportunities for cross-training across Finance Operations
  Center functions to maintain adequate coverage of all functions.
• Completes professional development, education, and training activities, consistent with
  performing the responsibilities of the position. Completes continued learning and
  development appropriate to work duties and for the pursuit of individual, unit, and
  institutional success.
• Participates in staff development based on individual need including ongoing skills
  training, DEI development, professional learning, service & scholarly activity, and
  engagement & well-being.
• As an individual contributor, models and contributes to crafting an inclusive work
  environment and encouraging a caring culture.

Other duties as assigned 5%

Required Qualifications (please document on resume):

• High school diploma/GED and four years of general purchasing experience
• Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (e.g., word processing, data entry,
  email, internet browsing, etc.)
• Ability to read, sort, check, count, and verify numbers.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel

Preferred Qualifications (please document on resume):

• BA/BS degree in business, finance, or a related field.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures involving purchasing.

Pay Range: $49,400 - $58,900; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).