Procurement Analyst 4 (Hybrid) Job Listing at University of California in Merced, CA (Job ID 69791)

Description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account 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 $75,200 - $138,400. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $84,000 - $91,000.

Job Closing Date

Initial Applicant Review date will be on or around June 17, 2024 and posting may close any time after that or upon selection.

This position is approved for a Hybrid work modality. The current team is required to work in the Downtown Center Campus on Wednesdays. Office requirements are subject to change with notice.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

About the Job

Reporting to the Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager, this position is focused on maintenance, repair and operations but is not limited to other professional categories. Uses professional procurement and contract skills to complete diverse and complex assignments that require strong analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to compare multiple purchasing options. The incumbent understands campus procurement strategy, including category management and strategic sourcing goals, and acts to ensure assigned work is completed in a manner that moves the campus closer to those goals, including determining the best quality and cost-effectiveness to select the best goods and services at the best value. Has authority to make purchases and negotiate contracts within a pre-approved dollar limit. Works on highly complex projects, such as analyzing contract and purchase order adoption and compliance, suppliers' performance, delivery and invoice compliance terms, complex bids, equipment management related metrics and makes recommendations for process improvements. Exercises judgment with defined limits and practices to determine the most effective methodology to acquire both common and complex goods and services as well as drafting complex RFP's and contracts, including scope of work. Makes independent purchasing decisions, as well as utilizing resources to help solve complex challenges. Negotiates with suppliers, ensuring that contracts and purchase orders comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Receives assignments in the form of objectives and determines how to use resources to meet schedules and goals. Analyzes contracts and other procurement documents to ensure and adopt compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines. Identifies risks and responds accordingly. Works on highly complex projects, such as analyzing contract and purchase order adoption and compliance, suppliers' performance, delivery and invoice compliance terms, equipment management related metrics and makes recommendations for process improvements. Collaborates with procurement staff, divisions and departments on projects, as well as preparing and running high priority meetings with both internal and external staff, faculty, and vendors. Proactively works with customers to identify business requirements and provides procurement and contract solutions that meet their business needs and that align with UC Merced procurement strategies and practices. Implements approved improvement activities related to procure-to-pay cycle. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining best value. Works both independently and in a team atmosphere. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. RFP PROCESS DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT * Drafts complex RFPs (request for proposal), including detailed specifications, scope, terms and conditions, and evaluation criteria. * Drafts, negotiates, and executes complex purchase orders and contracts, utilizing both custom and standard terms and conditions for materials, supplies, equipment, and services. * Negotiates with suppliers to obtain best value, including lower prices and better terms, unique terms and conditions as required, as well as ensuring that contracts and purchase orders comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Develops new supply sources to address supply chain challenges, as needed, and resolves supplier-related issues. * Responsible for providing analysis for highly complex purchasing projects dealing directly with department managers. Performs complex analysis to determine appropriate source selection. Performs spend analysis for department or organization on assigned vendors or commodities. Monitors supplier performance generates supplier performance score cards and reports performance issues. * Makes independent purchasing decisions, as well as resources to help solve complex challenges. * Works on highly complex projects, such as analyzing contract and purchase order adoption and compliance, suppliers' performance, delivery and invoice compliance terms, complex bids, equipment management related metrics and makes recommendations for process improvements.
2. COMPLIANCE * Reduces risk to the University by ensuring departmental compliance with local, state, and federal procurement policies, works in conjunction with end-users to develop specifications for RFPs, assists in implementation of organization or system wide agreements, manages demand against agreements, makes recommendations regarding new supply sources and process improvements, and champions use of a diverse supply base. * Accurately interprets and applies University policies and procedures and maintains a current detailed knowledge of all applicable laws, policies, procedures and processes and implements them effectively in all work. * Documents interpretations of processes, policies, and procedures for edification of customers and suppliers. Effectively develops spreadsheets and other documentation to support analysis. * Effectively and regularly communicate with organizations and customers, reducing risk to the University by ensuring compliance with procurement policies and work in conjunction with end users to develop specifications for competitive procurement bid processes. * Works with University staff and writes complex sole source justifications and bases for award documents and evaluates advanced sole source justifications for appropriateness. * May supervise procurement staff, including buyers, or other administrative staff, including management of staff performance and development, team building and communications, resolution of issues and conflicts, review and approval of work, and hiring.
3. RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT * Collaborates with procurement staff, divisions and departments on projects and other related administrative duties, as well as preparing and running high-priority meetings with both internal and external staff, faculty, and vendors. Proactively works with customers to identify business requirements and provides procurement and contract solutions that meet their business needs and that align with UC Merced procurement strategies and practices. * Communicates and leads meetings with vendors, suppliers, contractors, and other internal and external stakeholders. * Assists departments in determining product requirements. * Analyzes contracts and accurately performs cost analyses and reviews terms and conditions for appropriateness. Makes recommended changes where necessary. Ensures compliance with University guidelines.
4. CONTINUOUS LEARNING * Actively seeks opportunities for and participates in professional development and training. * Effectively acquires and maintains a sound, advanced technical understanding of commonly purchased products.

*LI-RM1

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training; and
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in general procurement or a related area, or equivalent experience/training. Required 
• Full knowledge of the purchasing function. 
• Ability to communicate complex information to others verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to read, interpret, develop, and negotiate terms and conditions of contracts. 
• Advanced level of proficiency in the use of standard spreadsheet and word processing software. 
• Strong negotiating skills. 
• Advanced skills in the use of ERP / financial systems (such as Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP, etc.). 
• Knowledge of UC procurement policies, the organization's departments and operations and Federal Acquisition Regulations. 
• Ability to perform cost analysis and planning for major commodities. 
• Professional certification preferred. 

Background Check

Background check required.

Policy Statement

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.  

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy.  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment. 

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

Employee Referral Program

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7       Referrals                         

How did you hear about the job?          (select) “other”

Additional information?                         (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source?                     (write in) first and last name of referring employee 

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility. 

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