LSA Procurement Manager

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

Since 1841, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) has been the heart of The Michigan Difference, educating young leaders through a rich liberal arts curriculum and creating new knowledge through world-class research and scholarship. LSA offers more than 100 degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs. Every LSA program is among the best in the U.S. with more than 40 programs in the top 10 and 5 programs are the best in their fields. Our alumni network is over 200,000 living LSA graduates and 90% of our seniors go on to enter the workforce or attend graduate school. Learn more about LSA at www.lsa.umich.edu/.

As part of the largest college at the University of Michigan, LSA Finance employs more than 90 employees who collectively provide financial, research administration, and procurement support to over 100 units within the College of LSA. As an integral support structure within the college, our procurement team is charged with providing exceptional service with all facets of procurement operations to LSA faculty, students, and staff. This centralized procurement operation is responsible for coordinating, tracking and meeting the fulfillment of requests related to the acquisition of goods and services, payment of invoices and resolution of related activities.

Responsibilities*

Provide management and oversight of the College's centralized function for acquisition and payment resolution of goods and services within the College of LSA. Facilitate both expansion and participation of this function to improve efficiencies, reduce demands on unit administrative staff and provide a highly reliable response to effectively meet the expectations of faculty, staff and students. The business office manager of the LSA Finance procurement team is responsible for ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of all aspects regarding the placement of orders, ensuring delivery, resolving supplier concerns, processing invoices and verifying payments.

The selected candidate will provide operational leadership for the team, overseeing and directing a staff of procurement employees. The manager is responsible for ensuring and providing adequate training, tools and performance measurements which enable staff to effectively process purchase requests and facilitate payment of invoices with a high level of accuracy and in a timely manner. In addition, this role is responsible for defining and evaluating key areas of performance by establishing goals, measurements and expectations, and reinforcing a positive and effective work culture and standards under which to operate. The manager is tasked with mentoring, counseling and working with staff on performance activities, including annual performance planning and evaluations.

The selected candidate will facilitate a positive customer experience where faculty, staff and students can readily place orders, request supplier payments or seek assistance in acquiring goods and services. Develop feedback protocols to effectively monitor customer experience and meet LSA operational needs. Provide assistance and advice to chief administrators, department managers and financial personnel with regard to procurement related procedures, policy and compliance. Serve as the escalation point for complex or highly sensitive purchases to advocate for the best interest of the college. Develop processes which define operational approaches, provide work flow clarity and properly document LSA Procurement procedures and practices for successful transition and succession planning. Evaluate tracking and management systems for optimal customer service and operational efficiencies.

The Business Office Manager will cooperate with stakeholders, evaluate, recommend and partner with LSA units to address their needs to improve operational efficiencies. Collaborate with key managers and University officials to expand and leverage relationships within U of M Procurement and Shared Services. Evaluate and provide input to improve key administrative systems including M-Pathways, LSA's in-house systems and other management tools. Oversee the selection, development, testing, implementation and operations of needed procurement tools or software solutions.

Provide relevant information for measuring productivity and establishing meaningful benchmarks. Assess data to evaluate and improve fulfillment lead times and decrease delays and related expenditure. Proactively seek out ways to save costs, as well as evaluate trends, volumes and patterns to identify aspects which can leverage future purchasing methods and pricing to benefit the College financially. Assess and advise outcomes related to internal controls and compliance with University policies and audit requirements.

Required Qualifications*

This position requires a bachelor degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent, plus 5-8 years of previous business experience. Experience with procurement processes. General financial knowledge and stewardship. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong organizational skills; able to multitask, set priorities and work independently. Experience building business relationships with people at various levels. Experience with process improvement evaluation and change management. Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff and students by acknowledging the diversity and values of each person's contribution to a team. Demonstrates behaviors that are aligned with the values and ethics of the organization.

Desired Qualifications*

Broad experience and understanding of University policies and procedures, its administrative systems, related financial structures, and overall procurement processes. Two or more years of supervisory experience over multiple individuals. Experience with all aspects of procurement, including contracts, negotiation, and administration of procurement systems.

Additional Information

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan, fulfill the College’s Guiding Principles, and sustain the excellence of LSA.

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion visit https://lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.html

To learn more about LSA’s Guiding Principles visit http://lsa.umich.edu/lsa/faculty-staff/human-resources/lsa-staff-guiding-principles.html

Salary range is $86,000 - $96,600 with higher salary possible based on the experience of the selected top candidate

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. The University of Michigan is committed to foster learning, creativity and productivity, and to support the vigorous exchange of ideas and information, not only in the classroom but in the workplace by:

• Creating a work environment in which people treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of roles, responsibilities or differences.
• Providing support, direction and resources enabling us to accomplish the responsibilities of our jobs and to reach the goals that are set for professional and personal growth.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations are now required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all three campuses, including Michigan Medicine. This includes those working or learning remotely. More information on this policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the U-M Dearborn and U-M Flint websites.