Purchasing Specialist

Position Title

Purchasing Specialist

North Carolina Central University (NCCU)

Be an Eagle—where purpose takes flight! Are you ready to make an impact? At NCCU, we are more than an institution—we are a community rooted in a legacy of excellence and transformation. A historically Black university located in Durham, North Carolina, also known as the City of Medicine, NCCU has been a cornerstone of education since 1910, fostering innovation and progress.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and exclusive perks designed to support your work‑life balance. At NCCU, your professional growth will be nurtured, and your contributions will help shape the future for our students and the community we serve. Become part of a legacy that drives change and achievement. An opportunity awaits you at NCCU, where your purpose can take flight.

Visit nccu.edu.

The University Procurement Department provides direction over all procurement activities within NCCU, including purchasing and administration of the procurement card. It manages all procedural aspects of purchasing activities within State and Federal laws, the North Carolina Division of Purchase and Contract rules and regulations, and University policies. The department communicates with internal and external customers, clients and suppliers; negotiates and verifies availability of funds, advises management on proper allocation of funds, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations.

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for acquiring goods and services for the University. Within the Procurement Services Department, the role interfaces with department personnel and other administrators to ensure that the University's needs are met. The position assists in administering and managing the University Procurement Card Program, soliciting and obtaining competitive sealed proposals, bids and quotations, and ensuring all required documents are included in procurements.

The specialist advises and assists University departments in purchasing procedures, prepares specifications and scope of work, prepares contract modifications, establishes and manages vendor relationships through Strategic Contracts and Master Service Agreements, and provides internal customer support, category spend management, and vendor management. The position evaluates requisitions for completeness and takes appropriate actions for effective, ethical and timely procurement of products and services for the University.

• Technical Knowledge – Knowledge of procurement card financial services software, desirable Bank of America Works program; desirable e‑procurement system (preferably Jaggaer or Sci Quest); in‑depth knowledge of procurement principles, ethics and standards pertaining to State of North Carolina and university policies; ability to drive quality, delivery, supplier management and pricing improvements.
• Decision Making / Problem Solving – Assess, identify and evaluate options for resolving procurement card requests; perform related duties as required.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills – Strong written and verbal communication; ability to interact successfully with diverse people professionally; ability to convey instructions clearly and build professional relationships.
• Additional Skills – Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook); knowledge of Adobe Acrobat, Visio, Microsoft Teams; excellent verbal and written communication; public speaking; facilitation of training for staff, faculty and suppliers; independent work and teamwork; strong interpersonal skills; adherence to deadlines and multitasking ability; working knowledge of higher education procurement card policy and procedures; vendor management expertise.

Bachelor's degree; or Associate's degree and two years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.

Professional…