Purchasing: Sr Contracts Specialist

The University of New Mexico, Office of the University Controller, also known as Financial Services, located on Main Campus is responsible for all central accounting functions for the University.

It is the responsibility of the Controller's Office aka Financial Services to ensure compliance with all financial policies, rules, and regulations adopted by the University or imposed by external agencies, including state and federal audit requirements, following generally accepted accounting practices. Additionally, the Controller's Office oversees the maintenance of the official financial records of the University.

Within Financial Services is the Purchasing Department that serves as the central purchasing authority for the University of New Mexico. Issuing all Purchase Orders for goods and services for Main Campus, the Health Sciences Center, and all branch campuses.

The Purchasing Department is seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to join our team as a Senior Contracts Specialist.  This position will work with a team of five Senior Contracts Specialists who are buyers for several specific commodities.  Examples of the goods and services this team is currently handles are furniture, architecture, construction, building operations materials and supplies and services, and grounds equipment and services. 

The UNM Purchasing department procures upwards of $150M each year. Team members collaborate with their peers in financial services and procuring departments to ensure we meet their needs. 

Purchasing responsibilities for the team include but are not limited to:

• Lead departments through the procurement process to administer complex, integrated, high-value contractual arrangements and procurement proposals, e.g., request for proposals (RFP), etc.
• Develop, negotiate, and administer a wide-range of complex, high-value contracts for products and/or services for the University
• Analyzes price proposals, financial reports, and other data to determine reasonableness of prices; reviews and interprets contract provisions to achieve cost efficiencies and reductions where feasible
• Monitor existing contracts/contractor performance for compliance with terms and conditions
• Participate in the formulation, development, implementation, and revision of contracting policy for the organization
• Serve as a primary point of contact with contractors, vendors and UNM departments
• Represents the organization and the University to various institutional constituencies, as well as externally to corporations, funding agencies, government agencies, and other colleges and universities, as appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

This position is on-site, M-F

Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.

See the Position Description for additional information.

High school diploma or GED; at least 9 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• New Mexico State Procurement Code
• Procurement in a public or higher education environment
• Electronic procurement and sourcing applications
• Generating/preparing analytical reports for senior leadership and partners
• Interpersonal and customer service skills
• Bachelor’s Degree

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Please attach:

• The résumé should include a complete work history, including beginning and ending dates of employment, (Month and Year), and the number of hours worked per week. 
• Cover letter that addresses how your qualifications and experience match the Preferred Qualifications that are detailed in the Job Ad.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html . Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.