Assistant Director of Procurement Services

Chief Objective of Position:

Independently develop specifications for solicitations, coordinate and formulate contracts for a variety of highly specialized and complex goods and services in compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements. Communicates with University Vice-Presidents, and other high-level administrators, faculty, and staff members to determine technical specifications and appropriate contractual terms and conditions needed to procure goods and services, capital construction, and provide legal protection to the University and the Commonwealth. Develop and maintain departmental analytics, including spend analyses, KPI reporting and other ad-hoc reports as needed. Remains knowledgeable on current laws, policies and procedures; advises University staff as appropriate. Directly supervise the Purchasing Contracting Officer staff. Serve as the back up to Director of Procurement Services in the Director’s absence.

Work Tasks:

1. Supervision of Contract Officers; prepare performance evaluations; establish and manage Contract Officer workloads; address performance issues; ensure staff have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish goals.
2. Resolves complaints and solve problems; initiate action to resolve complaints; exercise analytical skills and use sound judgment to mitigate and solve problems; establish positive working relations with departmental staff, vendors, end users and other university personnel; positively promote the procurement function.
3. Develop and maintain internal procurement trainings and training materials for procurement staff, faculty, and University staff; serve as agency lead procurement trainer.
4. Effect procurement of goods and services; process requisitions in eVa in accordance with established time-frame; ensure all procurements are processed in accordance with State and University policy and procedures.
5. Effect procurement of capital outlay and construction as well as Professional Services as needed.
6. Review transactions of delegated authority granted to departments of procurements up to $10,000 for compliance with procurement laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
7. Establish, advertise and manage term contracts in eVA; manage a variety of complex high dollar procurements; ensure term contracts are renewed and/or rebid timely; review contracts solicited at least every 6 months to ensure proper contract administration.
8. Accurately develop specifications for solicitations; interface with departments and vendors as needed to ensure specifications are complete and provide guidance; ensure procurement files are properly documented; review and recommend sole source and emergency procurements; remain knowledgeable on current procurement laws, policies and procedures.
9. Support University initiatives and departmental goals through data analytics and strategic sourcing efforts; assist in identifying and championing procurement opportunities, in areas including but not limited to, cost savings, revenue generation, contract development, process improvements, and waste reduction.
10. Serves as a backup to the Small Purchase Charge Card (SPCC) Administrator; on a as needed basis, perform monthly audit/review of SPCC transactions to ensure compliance; train cardholders in proper card usage, security and procurement guidelines. Review and update, as needed (at a minimum annually) the Small Purchase Credit Card Manual and the Small Purchase Credit Card Program Administrator Manual.
11. Promotes participation of SWaM-owned business. Assist in the development of SWaM strategies.
12. Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Fully support the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
13. Reviews and communicates safety issues to assure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work related absence.
14. Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position.
15. Report unsafe work conditions to your supervisor.
16. Immediately report work-related incidents to your supervisor and participate in accident investigation requests.
17. Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
18. Ensure employees under your supervision are trained in safety standards and procedures for their positions.
19. Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state and federal guidelines.
20. This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
21. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Procurement Services.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) required:

Ability to plan and direct the work of staff; excellent customer service skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; proficient in spreadsheet, database and word processing applications; ability to work independently; strong analytical skills; excellent organizational and detail-oriented skills. Significant knowledge of purchasing and contract administration principles and procurement procedures to advise and assist University personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) preferred:

Knowledge of construction practices, Construction and Professional Services Manual (CPSM) as well as the Division of Engineering & Building (DEB) requirements. Knowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia Procurement Manual for Institutions of Higher Education and their Vendors as well as Governing Rules. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Required Education:

A Master’s Degree in a related field; or a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and work experience at a level which equates to an advanced degree at time of start date. Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO) certification, OR the ability to obtain within one year from start date, OR be in possession of one of the following recognized certifications as of the start date: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).

Preferred Education:

Certified Virginia Construction Contracting Officer (VCCO).

Experience Required:

Significant experience in procurement, contract administration, and data analytics; experience supervising staff.

Experience Preferred:

Higher Education procurement experience; previous Commonwealth of Virginia purchasing and contract administration experience: knowledge of and experience with the Agency Procurement and Surplus Property Manual (APSPM).

CNU Information:

S​elected by The Princeton Review to be included in The 387​ Best Colleges: 2022 Edition, Christopher Newport University is a public school offering a private school experience – great teaching, small classes, and a safe, vibrant campus. The University is located in Newport News, Virginia, enrolls approximately 5,000 students, and is dedicated to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service. Academic programs at Christopher Newport University encompass more than 90 areas of study, from biology to business administration and political science to the performing arts. The University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges guide​ as 3rd among public regional universities in the South and 6th overall, and has recently completed more than $1 billion in capital construction on its 260-acre campus. Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We recruit exceptional and diverse faculty and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit www.cnu.edu.

Position Detail Information

Working Title: Assistant Director of Procurement Services

Position Number: FA342

FLSA: Exempt

Appointment Type: Full Time

Sensitive Position: No

Sensitive Position Statement: A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check. This is NOT a sensitive position.

Campus Security Authority: No

Campus Security Authority Statement: This position is NOT designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.” A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.

Designated Personnel: No

Designated Personnel Statement:  A “designated position” means this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing. This is NOT a “designated position.”

Statement of Economic Interest: Yes

Statement of Economic Interest Statement: This position DOES require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.

Restricted Position: No

Restricted Position Statement: A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding. This is NOT a restricted position.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number: AP251P

Number of Vacancies: 1

Posting Date: 08/30/2022

Application Deadline: 09/27/2022

Application Instructions:

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.
Review of applications will begin September 27, 2022.

Applications received after September 27, 2022, will be accepted but considered only if needed.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

Link to Posting: https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/14211

EEO Statement: Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement: