Director of Purchasing - Oakland University

Oakland University is hiring a Director of Purchasing to join its finance team in Rochester, Michigan. This hands-on leadership role oversees the university's procurement operations while guiding a team of buyers and partnering with departments across campus to support effective and compliant purchasing.
Beyond managing day-to-day procurement, this leader will play an important role in strengthening processes and helping modernize the university's procure-to-pay operations. It's a great opportunity for a collaborative procurement professional who enjoys improving systems, building strong campus partnerships, and contributing to the continued growth of a dynamic public research university.

Lead and manage the daily operations of the Purchasing Department, including supervising a team of buyers and ensuring procurement activities align with university policies and best practices.
• Process and oversee purchase requisitions, independent contractor agreements, and procurement contracts for equipment, supplies, materials, and services across the university.
• Serve as a project manager for purchasing-related contracts, licenses, and agreements, coordinating with departments, vendors, and the Office of Legal Affairs when appropriate.
• Design, implement, and monitor procurement processes, policies, and procedures to ensure efficiency, compliance, and alignment with institutional needs.
• Negotiate, initiate, and oversee campus-wide purchasing agreements to secure favorable pricing and vendor partnerships.
• Act as a key resource to university departments by providing guidance on purchasing decisions, vendor selection, and specification development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and the broader business community while identifying opportunities to enhance supplier partnerships.
• Evaluate current vendors and research new suppliers to ensure the university receives high-quality goods and services at competitive pricing.
• Manage departmental participation in purchasing committees and cross-functional initiatives.
• Resolve vendor or customer issues, including complaints, returns, shortages, and purchase order adjustments.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eight (8) years of experience in business management, purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing purchasing needs and managing procurement processes.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.

• Master's degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or similar professional certification.
• Experience in a higher education or large institutional environment.
• Experience improving procurement workflows, increasing operational efficiency, or supporting automation and modernization initiatives.

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