Job Description

Posting Number

STA00972PO25

Job Family

Procurement and Inventory Control

Job Function

Procurement

USC Market Title

Procurement Manager

Link to USC Market Title

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133575

Job Level

P2 - Professional

Business Title (Internal Title)

Procurement Lead

Campus

Columbia

Work County

Richland

College/Division

Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support

Department

SAAS Finance

State Pay Band

6

Approved Starting Salary

$54,165

Advertised Salary Range

$54,165 - $81,247

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

37.5

Work Schedule

Standard working schedule: 8:30am - 5:00pm

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis

12 months

Job Search Category

Other Professional


About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service -- helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.


Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

Procurement Team Lead

Are you a detail-oriented procurement professional with a passion for leadership and fiscal integrity?



As a senior-level coordinator and subject matter expert, the Procurement Team Lead guides daily procurement operations while mentoring a high-performing pod. This role serves as a vital link between divisional stakeholders and financial systems, ensuring seamless, compliant, and efficient procurement practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as a subject matter expert, guiding daily procurement operations and mentoring members on their team. Provide specialized expertise in one of three focus areas:

Travel

,

Contracts

, or

Vendor Relations

--offering training, policy guidance, and effective problem-solving support. Perform all routine functions of procurement for any divisional unit needs as a member of the division finance team.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in USC and/or state procurement policies

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of the principles, practices, theories and terminology of accounting, auditing, banking, budgeting, financial management or investment. Knowledge of state government fiscal and accounting processes. Knowledge of the organization and capital structure of public utilities and of the methods and procedures used in the financing of major extensions to utilities operations. Knowledge of office practices and procedures. Knowledge of state government fiscal and accounting processes. Knowledge of state laws and regulations pertaining to university finances. Knowledge of financial statement analysis. Ability to proficiently apply mathematical concepts. Ability to analyze and interpret financial data, records and reports. Knowledge of the University receipting system and accounts receivable - PeopleSoft. Knowledge of accounting and business practices in relation to state procurement and fiscal reporting. The ability to balance and reconcile accounts. Act as a liaison with internal and external departments and agencies. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to read and understand reporting tools and generate ledgers. Advanced excel skills.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Serves as both a senior-level coordinator and subject matter expert, guiding daily procurement operations, mentoring members in their team. Assists Division of Student Affairs staff with the management of financial accounts, revenue, and expenditures related to the procurement of goods and services. Assures that all procurement transactions are in accordance with the University purchasing policies. Manage processing and reconciliation of billing, accounts due, expenditures, reimbursements, departmental transfers, purchasing cards, grants, and travel.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

20

Job Duty

Processes purchase requisitions and maintains purchasing files. Ensures receipt and payment of purchases. Processes all departmental paperwork for reimbursements, journal entries, purchasing card, travel, etc. Obtains and manages USC Purchasing Card to be used for authorized expenditures. Maintains working knowledge of and access to state contracts to inform divisional partners of materials and services covered under state contract. Ensures that all necessary office supplies and equipment are available and ordered as needed in a timely manner in adherence to accepted university procurement process. Works in the divisional finance ticketing system for the timely processing of requests in support of divisional priorities.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

15

Job Duty

Assists the divisional Procurement Manager in processing purchase orders, payments to vendors, petty cash reimbursements, and reconciliations. Is expected to perform all routine functions of procurement for any divisional unit needs as a member of the division finance team using a "shared services" model. As required, may be assigned to specialize in unique functions of a department/unit or a divisional project.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

20

Job Duty

Assists the divisional Procurement Manager in fiscal analysis and the coordination of accounting functions related to procurement of goods and services. Prepares financial reports and provides assistance with budget development and quarterly budget status reports. Assists the Procurement Manager in the following functions: purchasing, budgeting, accounts payable and accounts receivable, internal controls, and cashier for petty cash payments. Advises on best practices and development of internal policy and procedure changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Maintains knowledge of all applicable University and state fiscal policies and procedures.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

15

Job Duty

Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Function

No

Percentage of Time

5

Job Duty

Provide timely and accurate information, procedural training, and problem-solving assistance in a designated specialty area as assigned by the Director. This includes serving as a subject matter expert, ensuring compliance with university and regulatory procurement policies, guiding departmental staff through procurement procedures, and offering tailored support to resolve complex purchasing issues efficiently and effectively. Examples of specialty areas include Travel, Contracts, and Vendor Relations.



Three Key Specialty Areas for the Divisional Procurement Team:

1) Travel - The division of Student Affairs has approximately 540 higher education professionals who travel for conferences, speaking engagements, and work assignments. Understanding, managing, and communicating the requirements and processes involved is critical to the work of the division. This employee shall:

a. Act as a key point of contact within the division for the development and understanding of travel policies and procedures, engaging in and advising on proper steps for obtaining travel permissions and subsequent reimbursements, as well as unique or unexpected travel circumstances.
b. Explain policies and procedures needed for travel and reimbursements.
c. Build and maintain productive working relationships with the University Purchasing Office and Controller's Office.
d. Develop and deliver ongoing training materials and updates to the procurement team to support continuous improvement in university travel procedures which will help avoid difficulties for travelers.
e. Provide counsel and problem-solving assistance to divisional partners.

2) Contracts - A key feature of Student Affairs procurement are the contractual relationships with vendors and service providers. Understanding, managing, and communicating the requirements and processes involved is critical to the work of the division. This employee shall:

a. Act as a key point of contact within the division for the development of their contracts

,

engaging in and advisingon proper steps for articulating the desired good or service to University Procurement for official construction and position of a solicitation.
b. Advise on policy and the contractual procedures needed to enter a legally binding contract for goods and service.
c. Provide divisional partners with general knowledge about contract/agreement "dos and don'ts" to prevent unauthorized procurements.
d. Assist divisional partners with their market research and development of specifications/scope of work guidelines for solicitations.
e. Maintain productive working relationships with the General Counsel's Office, the University Purchasing Office, and the Controller's Office.
f. Develop and deliver general training materials to inform divisional partners about contracts and solicitations.
g. Develop and deliver ongoing training materials and updates to the procurement team to support continuous improvement in facilitating solicitations and contracts.
h. Provide counsel and problem-solving assistance to divisional partners.


3) Vendor Relations- A key feature of Student Affairs procurement is the development and management of business relationships with vendors and service providers. Understanding, managing, and communicating the requirements and processes involved is critical to the work of the division. This employee shall:

a. Act as a key point of contact within the division for the vendor relations, engaging in and advising on proper steps for resolving inquiries and outstanding balances with procurement coordinators, and onboarding a new vendor to do business with the university.
b. Communicate university policies and the vendor enrollment process to prospective vendors and divisional partners.
c. Foster and maintain effective working relationships with the University Purchasing Department and the Controller's Office.
d. Develop and deliver ongoing training materials and updates to the procurement team to support continuous improvement in vendor onboarding and engagement tracking within the Division of Student Affairs.
e. Develop and maintain a Divisional Vendor Guide detailing specific vendors who are used by the division, detailing the current contract information, vendor renewal dates, and the goods and services frequently purchased.
f. Monitor the onboarding process of their department colleagues to ensure that vendor applications are completed and able to do business.
g. Update and maintain the Divisional Vendor Guide with current vendor information.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

25


Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive

No

Hazardous weather category

Essential


Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

Job Open Date

12/16/2025

Job Close Date

01/30/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by

January 30, 2025.

Quicklink for Posting

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/200032

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.