Staff Careers

The Assistant Director of Procurement & Business Services, reporting to the Sr. Director of Procurement & Business Services, is a key member of the leadership team, assisting with the attainment of the strategic vision, leadership, planning, and management of the procurement, supplier information management, and travel activities for The University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Duties/Responsibilities
• Work closely with the Sr. Director, Procurement & Business Services in providing leadership, and support of the department, including the administrative and managerial functions necessary to plan, implement, review, and control operations to be in compliance with and support the policies, mission, and strategic plan of the University, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Assist in the oversight of the preparation and review of all procurement and contract documents, approving and signing documents within the delegated authority limit.
• Represent the Procurement & Business Services department in assigned meetings and committees.
• Plans, develops, and implements strategies for containing costs and/or generating revenues for the University.
• Responsible for safeguarding assets, ensuring reliable financial data is maintained, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Serve as a functional supervisor in the absence of the Senior Director.
• Writes solicitations and other procurement documents, and prepares reports and other correspondence that captures departmental operational activities.
• Maintain proper procurement and contract files, databases, records, and associated documentation.
• Prepare training materials to present to various internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides direct oversight and accountability for the procurement of goods, services, and projects to ensure the University receives maximum value for expenditures.
• Assists with department fiscal year-end and new fiscal year processes and procedures, including monitoring selected encumbrances, and generating reports within the Banner establishing best practices for efficiencies.
• Provides expertise in the identification and implementation of best practices for procurement processes across the University. Administer quality improvement business services practices, processes, procedures, or policies that have an impact on departmental, divisional, unit, and/or University operations.
• Manages the transformation of the University's procurement processes to meet identified business objectives and standards.
• Promotes positive vendor relationships through frequent contact.
• Serves as a liaison between Procurement & Business Services, campus departments, and external suppliers.
• Act as a subject matter expert on purchasing protocols and negotiator between the University and suppliers on large and complex procurement contracts to ensure the University's needs are met and that contracts are in compliance with all applicable University policies, and state, and/or federal laws.
• Hiring, supervising, setting performance standards, and evaluating performance of Procurement Service and Travel services staff.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, and manage the development and contributions of staff to ensure a viable, high-performing, and engaged team in procurement and business services functions with a team focus on exemplary customer service.
• Attempt to instill a continuous process improvement mentality in department staff through process improvement mentoring, coaching, and training by cultivating a productive, team-oriented work environment and cohesive unit that expects and appreciates knowledge share.
• Research and recommend new resources or suppliers to support the efficient delivery of goods or services.
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five to seven (5-7) years of progressively responsible related work experience, including experience drafting and/or negotiating contracts and procurements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Effective time management skills, project management skills, communication skills, and the ability to work well in and foster a diverse and inclusive team environment.
• Advanced knowledge of Procurement, Contract and Accounts Payable related terms, concepts, and processes.

• JD, Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is desired.
• Experience supervising the workload and work product of procurement professionals is preferred.
• Experience working with Alabama State law and federal regulations, including public procurement laws is preferred.
• Experience in Governmental and/or Higher Education contracting and procurement is desired.
• Experience providing training on contracting and procurement regulations and policies to diverse audiences is helpful.
• Experience with warehouse and supply management operations and controls is preferred.
• CPPO, CPPB, CPP or any other procurement designation is preferred.

$85,000 - 100,000