Career Center

Description:
This position is responsible for all procurement activity within the UTK Athletics Department, in collaboration with campus and UT's Procurement Office. The position will procure products and services in the most efficient and economical manner possible while ensuring compliance with applicable UT purchasing policies, state and federal law regulations. The position will work directly with the central Procurement Office to issue purchase orders, develop bid specifications (RFQ's, RFQS's, RFP's, etc.), process contracts, and coordinate all other Procurement Activity on behalf of the University of Tennessee - Knoxville Athletics Department. The position is responsible in developing or modifying UTK Athletics Department processes and to ensure processes are executed as efficiently as possible and in accordance with campus and system policies. The position will provide input on policies and procedure at the department, campus, and system level, and collaborate regularly with the Senior Associate AD/CFO on best practices related to sourcing of products and/or services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform complex, time critical procurement functions for Athletics which include preparing requests for quotes and awarding contracts.
- Identify department and team needs and develop or refine specifications for procurement of products and/or services.
- Process purchasing transactions in accordance with state and federal statues, and UT fiscal policies and procedures.
- Examine and analyze departmental purchase requisitions for completeness and accuracy of information; contact department and/ or vendor to clarify information; determine method to process requisition based upon dollar amount, timeliness required, existing contracts, and/ or competitive bidding.
- Communicate and negotiate with vendors and other service providers to increase University purchasing power. Obtain best value by combining like orders for similar purchase requests to obtain quantity discounts.
- Address complicated procurement questions and scenarios with effective and creative problem-solving capabilities.
- Work directly with the campus and system contract office to edit, amend, and execute over 400 UT contracts on an annual basis. Contracts include, but are not limited to game guarantees, facility rentals, sport specific services, software, travel, equipment, revenue agreements, as well as many other products and services.
- Meet regularly with staff, teams, and departments to educate on procurement policy to ensure understanding of responsibilities department wide. In those meetings, develop procurement plans with each team/department to ensure procurement needs are met within a reasonable time frame and in accordance with UT policy.
- Organize and maintain records for all UTK Athletic contracts, purchase orders, agreements, sole source documentation and vendor communication. Work closely with all vendors to ensure questions are answered timely, policy is followed, and build upon relationships for the betterment of UT Athletics.
- Review vendor performance against specifications, track order fill rates and delivery requirements, and perform advanced reporting for management on spend activity, savings opportunities, diversity suppliers and vendor issues.
- Perform other procurement duties as assigned including tracking and analyzing athletics spend, providing input on cost savings opportunities, and developing supplier diversity programs in coordination with UT Procurement Services.
- Attend professional development seminars and training in procurement strategies.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree required. Master's Degree Preferred.

Experience:    

• Three to four years of experience in a procurement environment.

Skills:   

• Ability to interact effectively and efficiently with others.
• Knowledge of products, vendors, markets, and procurement procedures.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Basic computer and keyboarding skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office Word and Excel.
• Experience in working with an Enterprise Procurement System is preferred.

Behaviors:

Demonstrated behavioral expectations include:

• Unquestioned integrity and trustworthiness
• Adherence to University, Southeastern Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations
• Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission
• Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays
• Ability to work with diverse populations in a positive manner
• Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission

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