Procurement Specialist

Definition of Classification :

The Procurement Specialist serves as a key contributor to the University of Redlands’ procurement operations by delivering advanced analytical support, strategic reporting, and operational insights that enhance the efficiency, accountability, and transparency of the procurement lifecycle. Reporting directly to the Director of Procurement, this position is responsible for interpreting and transforming complex procurement data into actionable intelligence to support supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, spend forecasting, category management, and cost-reduction initiatives.

This role ensures data integrity and visibility across the University's purchasing functions and drives value creation through data-informed decisions, scenario modeling, and performance metrics. The Procurement Specialist partners closely with Buyers, Finance, and departmental stakeholders to improve sourcing outcomes, monitor procurement KPIs, and support long-term planning. The position also plays a pivotal role in identifying risks, consolidating spend opportunities, and aligning procurement practices with institutional goals, regulatory compliance, and sustainability objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities :

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Conduct in-depth analysis of supplier proposals, market data, and historical spend to support vendor selection, contract terms, and negotiation strategy.
• Analyze University-wide purchasing behavior to identify cost-saving opportunities, demand patterns, and areas for strategic sourcing
• Collaborate with Buyers and internal departments to develop supply plans and forecast procurement needs based on institutional priorities and service level requirements.
• Translate complex procurement challenges into structured models and scenarios to aid decision-making and category planning
• Build and maintain dynamic cost models for high-value or strategic goods and services.
• Compare supplier cost structures against internal benchmarks to evaluate pricing competitiveness
• Track actual costs versus estimated pricing and analyze variances to support continuous improvement and contract enforcement.
• Assist in the preparation of annual procurement budgets and long-term financial forecasts by integrating pricing trends and industry insights.
• Design and maintain dashboards and reports to monitor procurement activities, supplier performance, and key metrics such as on-time delivery, contract utilization, and savings realized.
• Monitor departmental compliance with purchasing policies and identify opportunities for improvement or training.
• Provide reports and summaries for institutional leadership, audits, and internal reviews, ensuring transparency in procurement practices.
• Support spend data audits and supplier usage tracking to support diversity, equity, and sustainability reporting.
• Maintain data accuracy within procurement modules of the ERP system and procurement tracking tools.
• Collaborate with IT and Finance to enhance reporting capabilities, integrate data sources, and implement new procurement technologies.
• Support configuration and documentation of procurement-related systems, workflows, and digital forms.
• Research emerging analytics tools and procurement software solutions to improve data visibility and reporting efficiency.
• Conduct gap analyses and root cause evaluations to propose process enhancements for purchasing workflows and interdepartmental communication.
• Participate in cross-functional projects involving contract lifecycle management, e-procurement implementation, or category strategy development.
• Support the evaluation of procurement best practices and benchmark performance against peer institutions.
• Serve as a resource on procurement policy interpretation and compliance with institutional guidelines and legal requirements
• May travel to various locations to attend meetings and conduct work
• Performs Other Duties and Special Projects as Required / Assigned

Required Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Knowledge & Skills :

To apply : Please submit the following through the University of Redlands Employment Portal.

HIRING RANGE :  Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training. The University of Redlands is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is defined as the Full Pay Range. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is defined as the Hiring Range. Placement within the Hiring Range is determined by internal equity, and relevant qualifications.

BACKGROUND CHECK :  Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The University will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and / or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current employee who was conditionally offered the position.

DRIVER'S LICENSE CHECK :  Possession of a valid Driver's License is required for certain positions. Employees in positions that require a valid Driver’s License will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS :  For certain positions typically in Public Safety, Facilities, Athletics and Information Technology Services departments, employment is contingent upon a candidate passing a pre-employment physical exam with the ability to lift in excess of 50 lbs. Public Safety Officers, in addition to a pre-employment physical exam, will also be required to pass a psychological evaluation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT Human Resources (redlands.edu)

SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.

MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER