Procurement Lead

Posting Number: STA00972PO25 Job Title: Procurement Manager / Procurement Lead College: Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support Department: SAAS Finance Campus: Columbia Job Family: Procurement and Inventory Control Job Function: Procurement Job Level: P2 – Professional Business Title: Procurement Lead Job Open Date: 12/16/2025 Job Close Date: 01/30/2026 Number Of Vacancies: 1 Employment type: Full-time Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Job function: Purchasing and Supply Chain Pay Band: 6Approved Starting Salary: $54,165Advertised Salary Range: $54,165 – $81,247 About the University of South Carolina From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state... Veterans' Preference Statement The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities. Advertised Job Summary Procurement Team Lead Are you a detail-oriented procurement professional with a passion for leadership and fiscal integrity? As a senior-level coordinator and subject matter expert, the Procurement Team Lead guides daily procurement operations while mentoring a high-performing pod. This role serves as a vital link between divisional stakeholders and financial systems, ensuring seamless, compliant, and efficient procurement practices. Key Responsibilities Serve as a subject matter expert, guiding daily procurement operations and mentoring members on their team. Provide specialized expertise in one of three focus areas: Travel, Contracts, or Vendor Relations—offering training, policy guidance, and effective problem‑solving support. Perform all routine functions of procurement for any divisional unit needs as a member of the division finance team. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job-related field and 2 or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job-related certification, training, education, and/or experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience in USC and/or state procurement policies. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of the principles, practices, theories and terminology of accounting, auditing, banking, budgeting, financial management or investment. Knowledge of state government fiscal and accounting processes. Knowledge of the organization and capital structure of public utilities and of the methods and procedures used in the financing of major extensions to utilities operations. Knowledge of office practices and procedures. Knowledge of state laws and regulations pertaining to university finances. Knowledge of financial statement analysis. Ability to proficiently apply mathematical concepts. Ability to analyze and interpret financial data, records and reports. Knowledge of the University receipting system and accounts receivable – PeopleSoft. Knowledge of accounting and business practices in relation to state procurement and fiscal reporting. Ability to balance and reconcile accounts. Act as a liaison with internal and external departments and agencies. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to read and understand reporting tools and generate ledgers. Advanced excel skills. Job Duties Serves as both a senior-level coordinator and subject matter expert, guiding daily procurement operations, mentoring members in their team. Assists Division of Student Affairs staff with the management of financial accounts, revenue, and expenditures related to the procurement of goods and services. Assures that all procurement transactions are in accordance with the University purchasing policies. Manage processing and reconciliation of billing, accounts due, expenditures, reimbursements, departmental transfers, purchasing cards, grants, and travel. Processes purchase requisitions and maintains purchasing files. Ensures receipt and payment of purchases. Processes all departmental paperwork for reimbursements, journal entries, purchasing card, travel, etc. Obtains and manages USC Purchasing Card to be used for authorized expenditures. Maintains working knowledge of and access to state contracts to inform divisional partners of materials and services covered under state contract. Ensures that all necessary office supplies and equipment are available and ordered as needed in a timely manner in adherence to accepted university procurement process. Works in the divisional finance ticketing system for the timely processing of requests in support of divisional priorities. Assists the divisional Procurement Manager in processing purchase orders, payments to vendors, petty cash reimbursements, and reconciliations. Is expected to perform all routine functions of procurement for any divisional unit needs as a member of the division finance team using a “shared services” model. As required, may be assigned to specialize in unique functions of a department/unit or a divisional project. Assists the divisional Procurement Manager in fiscal analysis and the coordination of accounting functions related to procurement of goods and services. Prepares financial reports and provides assistance with budget development and quarterly budget status reports. Assists the Procurement Manager in the following functions: purchasing, budgeting, accounts payable and accounts receivable, internal controls, and cashier for petty cash payments. Advises on best practices and development of internal policy and procedure changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Maintains knowledge of all applicable University and state fiscal policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned. Provide timely and accurate information, procedural training, and problem-solving assistance in a designated specialty area as assigned by the Director. This includes serving as a subject matter expert, ensuring compliance with university and regulatory procurement policies, guiding departmental staff through procurement procedures, and offering tailored support to resolve complex purchasing issues efficiently and effectively. Examples of specialty areas include Travel, Contracts, and Vendor Relations. Three Key Specialty Areas For The Divisional Procurement Team Travel – The division of Student Affairs has approximately 540 higher education professionals who travel for conferences, speaking engagements, and work assignments. Understanding, managing, and communicating the requirements and processes involved is critical to the work of the division. This employee shall: Act as a key point of contact within the division for the development and understanding of travel policies and procedures, engaging in and advising on proper steps for obtaining travel permissions and subsequent reimbursements, as well as unique or unexpected travel circumstances; explain policies and procedures needed for travel and reimbursements; build and maintain productive working relationships with the University Purchasing Office and Controller’s Office; develop and deliver ongoing training materials and updates to the procurement team to support continuous improvement in university travel procedures which will help avoid difficulties for travelers; provide counsel and problem-solving assistance to divisional partners. Contracts – A key feature of Student Affairs procurement are the contractual relationships with vendors and service providers. Understanding, managing, and communicating the requirements and processes involved is critical to the work of the division. This employee shall: Act as a key point of contact within the division for the development of their contracts, engaging in and advising on proper steps for articulating the desired good or service to University Procurement for official construction and position of a solicitation; advise on policy and the contractual procedures needed to enter a legally binding contract for goods and service; provide divisional partners with general knowledge about contract/agreement “dos and don’ts” to prevent unauthorized procurements; assist divisional partners with their market research and development of specifications/scope of work guidelines for solicitations; maintain productive working relationships with the General Counsel’s Office, the University Purchasing Office, and the Controller’s Office; develop and deliver general training materials to inform divisional partners about contracts and solicitations; develop and deliver ongoing training materials and updates to the procurement team to support continuous improvement in facilitating solicitations and contracts; provide counsel and problem-solving assistance to divisional partners. Vendor Relations – A key feature of Student Affairs procurement is the development and management of business relationships with vendors and service providers. Understanding, managing, and communicating the requirements and processes involved is critical to the work of the division. This employee shall: Act as a key point of contact within the division for the vendor relations, engaging in and advising on proper steps for resolving inquiries and outstanding balances with procurement coordinators, and onboarding a new vendor to do business with the university; communicate university policies and the vendor enrollment process to prospective vendors and divisional partners; foster and maintain effective working relationships with the University Purchasing Department and the Controller’s Office; develop and deliver ongoing training materials and updates to the procurement team to support continuous improvement in vendor onboarding and engagement tracking within the Division of Student Affairs; develop and maintain a Divisional Vendor Guide detailing specific vendors who are used by the division, detailing the current contract information, vendor renewal dates, and the goods and services frequently purchased; monitor the onboarding process of their department colleagues to ensure that vendor applications are completed and able to do business; update and maintain the Divisional Vendor Guide with current vendor information. Essential Function & % of Time Essential Function: Yes – 20% Essential Function: No – 5% Safety Sensitive Or Security Sensitive No Special Instructions To Applicant Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by January 30, 2025. EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr