Surplus Manager

Position Title:
Surplus Manager

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in surplus asset management, inventory control, and logistics
Experience managing, leading, and evaluating personnel
Experience following strict policies and procedures, regulations, and/or legal compliances
Sales and marketing experience
Experiencing maintaining budgets

Job Description:

The Logistics and Support Services department at Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates to fill the Surplus Manager position, which will be classified as a Manager Logistics, within ISU Surplus. ISU Surplus is a fee-for-service operation, generating over $1 million dollars in sales each fiscal year. ISU Surplus manages all ISU’s excess property via resale, repurpose, donate, and/or recycle. Sales are performed in-person and online. Examples of excess property include but are not limited to, office furniture, electronic equipment, lab equipment, specialty equipment, lost and found items, vehicles and heavy equipment.

The ISU Surplus Manager is critical in overseeing the efficient handling and disposition of diverse surplus assets for Iowa State University and other State of Iowa agencies. This role requires a combination of strategic planning, operational oversight, and team management to ensure that surplus resources are appropriately managed, repurposed, or disposed of in accordance with university policies, procedures, and regulations. The candidate should have experience leading and motivating teams, as they will be fostering a collaborative work environment where staff can thrive and contribute to organizational success.

Effective communication is essential for building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, vendors, and broad audiences within the university community. Success in this role requires meticulous attention to detail and the ability to implement efficient processes and systems for inventory management and asset disposition. A strong candidate will possess analytical skills to evaluate surplus assets, identify opportunities to increase output, reduce warehouse footprint and make data-driven decisions to optimize resource allocation and financial performance. Understanding of relevant policies, regulations, and environmental standards governing surplus asset management is crucial to ensure legal compliance and ethical practices.

Given the dynamic nature of surplus management, the candidate should be adaptable to changing priorities, resilient in the face of challenges, and proactive in seeking innovative solutions to overcome obstacles. A strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is integral to driving responsible disposal practices. Finally, a successful candidate will demonstrate a growth mindset, with a willingness to learn, adapt, and continuously improve surplus management processes and practices in alignment with evolving best practices and industry trends.

Example of duties:

• Provide effective leadership and guidance to ISU Surplus staff

• Manage in-person and online sales

• Maintain compliance with the university, State of Iowa, and Federal policy and procedures

• Collaborate with departments to identify surplus assets and disposition strategies

• Manage ISU Surplus physical inventory

• Develop marketing strategies to increase sales and customer awareness

• Oversee budget for ISU Surplus activities

• Prepare reports and analyze surplus activities

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

Level Guidelines
• Aware of key annual objectives of department or work unit
• Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports
• Focus on ISU’s mission and meeting department or work unit goals
• Supervises a small department or work team
• Often is a working supervisor with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised
• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management
• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy

Appointment Type:
Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS808

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:
March 6, 2024

Posting Close Date:
March 17, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R14203