Chief Purchasing Officer - #141029

Western Carolina University

$90K — $120K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 3 years of experience in higher education procurement processes
  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without immigration sponsorship
  • Preferred: MBA or related advanced degree
  • Preferred: Experience with procurement systems like Jaggaer and Banner ERP
  • Preferred: Knowledge of procurement card industry standards
  • Preferred: Supervisory experience in purchasing or procurement function

Responsibilities

  • Direct and oversee purchasing and payment activities at the university
  • Lead the professional staff in the Purchasing & Accounts Payable department
  • Advance strategic sourcing and best-value practices
  • Interpret and apply laws and regulations related to procurement
  • Implement effective processes for purchasing and accounts payable functions
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal procurement guidelines
  • Act as the university's central procurement authority

Benefits

  • Permanent full-time position
  • On-site work location in Cullowhee, NC
  • Eligibility for university benefits
  • Support for professional development and education
  • Engagement with a dynamic university community
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number
EHRA1085P

Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34302

Classification Title
Chief Purchasing Officer

Working Title
Chief Purchasing Officer - #141029

Department
Purchasing & Accounts Payable

Anticipated Hiring Range
Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The primary purpose of the Director of Purchasing and Accounts Payable (Chief Purchasing Officer) is to direct and oversee the purchasing and payment activities, functions, programs, and processes within the university and to provide leadership and supervision to the department's professional staff. Serving as the university's central procurement authority, the Director advances strategic sourcing and best-value practices while interpreting and applying the laws, rules, and regulations governing the purchasing and accounts payable functions as promulgated by the state and federal governments, the UNC System, and the North Carolina Department of Administration.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related business field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Additionally, three years of demonstrated experience in higher education procurement processes is required. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and not require immigration sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications
  • MBA or related advanced degree
  • Experience with procurement systems (e.g., Jaggaer) and Banner ERP
  • Knowledge of procurement card (P-Card) industry standards
  • Supervisory experience in a purchasing or procurement function


Position Type
Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week
40

Number of Months Per Year
12

Posting Text

Open Date
06/16/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered, you must apply online.

Attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of professional references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application.

For questions and additional information, please contact David Steinbicker at [email protected]

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