Procurement Specialist , Procurement Services

Procurement Specialist I, Procurement Services (Fixed-Term)

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The Procurement Specialist is responsible for developing contracts and agreements to meet operational needs while providing optimal value to the University. Assists or serves as lead for one or more procurement categories in support of long-term sourcing initiatives focused on quality, cost, delivery, and reliability. Works with campus customers and strategic suppliers to understand business processes and the functional impacts of all procurement decisions.

Fulfils University-wide procurement needs in a timely manner in compliance with University policies and industry best practices. Influences customer and supplier relationships to maximize strategic value for University. Provides superior customer support and service.

• This is a fixed-term, 1-year appointment.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

• Collaborates with stakeholders to assess needs and organize business requirements into comprehensive sourcing plans.
• Develops category strategy, leverages spend, and yields high supplier performance for one or more procurement categories.
• Reviews departmental requisitions and orders to ensure the purchase is within reasonable tolerances, has received approval, and is appropriate.
• Uses best judgment to review factors including, appropriate method of purchase, dollar value, purchase quantity, unit of measure, etc.
• Executes multiple and simultaneous requisitions, supplier quotes, proposals, and bids for all goods and services.
• May manage and/or participate in pre-solicitation and pre-bid conferences and site visits.
• Assists with complex bids and contract negotiations.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state laws and other regulatory guidance.
• Supports a comprehensive supplier diversity program.
• Incorporates environmental sustainability goals into category strategies.
• Promotes social responsibility programs and improves the University’s awareness, engagement, and support of global citizenship and community outreach initiatives.
• Promotes a culture of innovation and value creation.
• Advises University customers on processes and behavior to receive optimal cost, quality, delivery, and reliability performance from suppliers.
• Assists in the evaluation and recommendations of Group Purchasing Organizations for best-value opportunities.
• Proactively mitigates risk while remaining unafraid to challenge the status quo.
• Reviews supplier performance against negotiated service level agreements.
• Collaborates with customers and suppliers to resolve invoice and payment problems.
• Partners internally with Payment Services leadership to understand and negotiate the best payment strategy for suppliers and commodity types.
• Supports financial and compliance audits and contract performance reviews.
• Orchestrates customer value in significant ways beyond just cost savings.

• Demonstrates excellent customer service.
• Moves adeptly from strategic thinking to tactical execution.
• Remains solutions-oriented and solves complicated problems.
• Communicates effectively.
• Innovates persuasively.
• Simplifies complexity.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated skill in specification writing, negotiations, and supplier management.
• Strong “hands‑on” procurement abilities.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making abilities.
• Strong technical and business writing and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.

• 3+ years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Substantial category management and indirect procurement experience.
• Professional certification from the Institute for Supply Management (e.g., CPSM) or other nationally recognized program.
• Experience…