Associate Purchasing & Contracts Specialist, Procurement - UT Chattanooga

The Associate Purchasing and Contracts Specialist supports the end-to-end procurement and contract administration process. Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, supply chain management, public administration or a closely related field 1 year of experience in administrative, procurement support, or financial role An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience This position is open to recent graduate professionals transitioning into procurement. Preferred: Master’s degree in business administration, finance, supply chain management, public administration or a closely related field 3-5 years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or contract administration within an institutional, public sector, or higher education setting Hands on experience navigating Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) an procurement platforms (specifically Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) Work Location: University of Tennessee – Chattanooga, TN Campus This is a fully on-site position Compensation and Benefits: UT Market Range: MR10 Anticipated hiring salary: $55,000 - $60,250 Find more information on the UT Market Range structure Find more information on UT Benefits ABOUT US The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is in the heart of one of Tennessee’s largest and most dynamic cities. As a national model for metropolitan universities, UTC collaborates with its many regional partners to offer an experiential learning environment with outstanding teaching scholars in 128 undergraduate degree programs and 55 graduate programs—at both the master's and doctoral levels. UTC and Chattanooga—nationally recognized for its downtown redevelopment and wealth of outdoor recreation—are inextricably linked, and the University is central to the workforce and economic development efforts of the region and the state. Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering and Computer Science; Health, Education and Professional Studies; and the Honors College are home to an array of award-winning programs from Nursing to Computer Science, Entrepreneurship to Veteran Student Support. Innovation is a strategic focus, and UTC research and development in smart city technology is an industry leader. UTC is the first and only university in the country with access to a managed, commercial quantum computing network, and we are introducing an artificial intelligence initiative involving entities across campus and engaging partners throughout the region. From our deep ties to the city of Chattanooga to our national reputation for innovation and hands-on learning, UTC stands out as a university where students thrive, faculty inspire, and partnerships create real impact. Procurement and Sourcing Operations Supports Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Quote (RFQ) activities by coordinating bid documentation, schedules, and procurement timelines Independently evaluates procurement requests and determines the appropriate procurement method based on university policy, regulatory requirements, and institutional needs Assists in the evaluation of supplier proposals based on pricing, delivery requirements, service levels, and compliance with specifications Processes Purchase Orders (PO’s) and coordinates with vendors to ensure timely delivery, accurate invoicing, and resolution of order-related issues Supplier Relations and Communication Serves as primary point of contact for routine supplier inquiries and communications Interprets procurement policies, procedures, and applicable regulations to provide guidance and recommendations to campus departments Serves as procurement resource for departments by advising on purchasing strategies, contract requirements, and compliance matters Assists with resolving shipping, quality, and invoice discrepancies while developing effective vendor resolution and problem-solving skills Contract Support and Administration Manages procurement activities from initiation through award and subsequent contract administration with limited supervision and personal accountability for results Assists with preparation, review, and routing of standard vendor contracts, Statements of Work (SOW’s) and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA’s) Supports contract administration activities by monitoring compliance requirements and tracking contract renewal and expiration dates Collaborates with Legal, Risk Management, and other stakeholders under supervision to gain an understanding of contract risk assessment and mitigation process Training and Professional Development Actively participates in training and professional development opportunities related to organization fiscal policies, institutional purchasing regulations, and procurement systems Demonstrates a commitment to learning and mastering complex procurement and contract administration processes, with the goal of assuming responsibility for larger accounts and more sophisticated contract negotiations Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) Precision in administrative tasks, accurate data entry, and thorough record keeping for audit trails Clear written and verbal communication skills necessary to coordinate with internal departments and vendors Ability to absorb structured training regarding legal terminology, organizational policies, and procurement workflows Ability to proactively identify data discrepancies or shipping delays Strong aptitude for complex enterprise software and digital workflows and data tracking Application Review Review of applications will begin October 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.