Inventory and Procurement Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Facilities Management is a department within University Services which is composed of the departments and people who deliver the non-academic operations across the University of Minnesota system. Facilities Management (FM) is responsible for all buildings, grounds and the energy management needs of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Facilities Management works to provide a safe, reliable and welcoming campus in support of the University's mission of teaching, research and outreach. FM's responsibilities include over 25 million square feet in more than 280 buildings across 1200 acres in the Twin Cities.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Inventory and Procurement Specialist to manage the purchasing of goods/services while managing tools/inventory essential for our operations. The ideal candidate will obtain bids and negotiate with suppliers and ensure that all purchases meet standards for cost, quality, and delivery timeframes. Experience in inventory management is essential to help maintain optimal stock levels and ensure smooth operations. This role is essential to maintaining smooth operations by making sure materials, goods, tools, and supplies are accounted for and readily available when needed.

This position will work on the FM District Operations Support team.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Procurement and Sourcing (30%)
* Purchase goods and services for district staff in compliance with UMNs competitive purchasing requirements.
* Research and identify potential suppliers and vendors, manage data to get vendors added to Tririga.
* Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers and vendors.
* Work with UMN purchasing to negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers.
* Work with internal teams to forecast demand and align sourcing strategies.
* Manage supplier risk and identify alternative sourcing options.

Logistics and Transportation (20%)
* Plan, coordinate, and monitor orders to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries.
* Track shipments, analyze delivery performance, and address any transportation delays or issues.
* Collaborate with internal teams, including supply chain, warehouse, and procurement, to improve logistics processes.
* Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
* Coordinate drop ship and emergency deliveries.

Inventory Management (20%)
* Receive, inspect, and record deliveries, ensuring they match purchase orders.
* Track order movements, including delivery, transfers, returns, and adjustments.
* Ensure proper labeling, storage, and organization of inventory in satellite warehouses.
* Manage attic stock and dispose of or return items no longer needed.
* Assist with tool and material handling equipment inventory and management.
* Be responsible for the compressed gas cylinder management process.
* Maintains cleanliness and orderliness of assigned satellite warehouses.

Distribution and Fulfillment (20%)
* Process and manage customer purchase requests through the order fulfillment system to include purchase order change orders.
* Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure timely picking, packing, and delivery to satellite warehouses.
* Communicate order status, shipping details, and any delays to district staff.
* Resolve order discrepancies, returns, and exchanges efficiently.
* Utilize order management systems (e.g. Tririga) to track orders.

Other duties as assigned (10%)
* Promote adoption and compliance with processes and policies with FM staff
* Recommend improvements and suggest ideas for new processes or policies
* Act as a liaison between district staff and campus logistics/supply chain operations

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Required (minimum) qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or related field plus at least two years of experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years

Preferred qualifications
Experience in procurement, supply chain or a similar role.
* Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
* Strong communication skills for coordinating with multiple departments.
* Attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines.
* Knowledge of inventory management and order processing systems.
* Strong communication and customer service skills.
* Proficiency in ERP or order management software.
* Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Physical and environmental requirements
This position requires 100% on campus presence. This position may be exposed to hazardous conditions where hearing and visual protection may be required. Position requires the strength and agility to lift 30 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Pay Range: $31.25-$36.06/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).