Assistant Director of Supplier Relations and Purchasing Operations

About This Role

The Assistant Director of Supplier Relations and Purchasing Operations provides leadership and operational oversight for supplier management, purchasing activities, and the university’s procurement card program. This role is responsible for ensuring compliant, efficient, and customer-focused purchasing operations while strengthening supplier relationships and supporting institutional goals. The position oversees supplier onboarding and maintenance, purchase order processes, the university procurement card program, compliance controls, and continuous improvement initiatives in alignment with university policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

The Division of Financial Services at Kansas State University supports the university’s mission of teaching, research, and service by providing strategic financial leadership, stewardship, and operational excellence. As part of Kansas State University, our team partners with campus units to deliver high-quality services in shared services financial and budgeting support, accounting, financial reporting, procurement, travel, and compliance. We are committed to integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement, leveraging data, technology, and collaborative relationships to ensure responsible resource management and an exceptional service experience for the K-State community.

Hybrid eligible
. This position is hybrid eligible; however, the first 90 days are required to be 100% on-site. After that period, hybrid eligibility may be granted based on individual performance, with a requirement of three days on-site. All employees must reside in the United States at the time employment begins to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. A Ph.D. or master's degree may be required for certain positions within this title. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the critical thinking, policy development and data analysis skills required to design and implement operational strategies, evaluate program effectiveness and ensure compliance with complex regulatory frameworks.
  
  These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience in procurement, purchasing operations, or supplier management
• Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of procurement policies, compliance, and internal controls
• Experience overseeing or administering a procurement card or corporate card program
• Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Experience in higher education, public sector, or regulated environments
• Familiarity with ERP, e-procurement, and P-Card systems

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Contact Information for three (3) professional references

Applications close on:03/18/2026

$70,835 - $92,083