Procurement Specialist

Are you a procurement professional seeking to join an innovative organization that values operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement? If so, we invite you to explore an exciting opportunity with UVA Finance at the University of Virginia.

About the Role

The University of Virginia (UVA) seeks a dynamic and highly skilled Procurement Specialist to play a critical role in the procurement transaction lifecycle by reviewing, validating, and converting approved requisitions into purchase orders (POs) in compliance with university policies. This position ensures accuracy, timeliness, and compliance in the procurement process-serving as a key liaison between end users, sourcing staff, contracts staff, and suppliers

In addition to requisition-to-PO processing, the Procurement Specialist provides basic contracting support for low-risk, low-dollar, template-based, and vendor-supplied agreements, ensuring documentation accuracy and adherence to university standards.

This is a two-year limited-term position based on funding availability. Continuation beyond the initial two-year period may be considered based on individual performance, business need, and available budget.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Purchase Order Processing:

• Review and "flip" approved purchase requisitions into purchase orders in the university's ERP and eProcurement systems.

• Verify accuracy of requisition details, including spend categories, delivery terms, and supplier information.

• Ensure all POs comply with university procurement policies and government regulations.

• Coordinate with requisitioners to resolve discrepancies or incomplete information prior to PO issuance.

• Monitor approval workflows and facilitate the timely processing of requisitions awaiting procurement action.

• Communicate with suppliers to confirm receipt of POs, anticipated fulfillment dates, and pricing accuracy.

• Maintain documentation and audit trails to support compliance and reporting requirements.

• Participate in process improvement initiatives to streamline requisition-to-PO conversion.

• Provide training or guidance to university departments on requisition accuracy and PO policy compliance.

• Basic Contracting Support:

• Prepare and route low-dollar, low-risk agreements, renewals, and extensions using approved university templates (e.g., statements of work, service agreements, NDAs, or standard addenda, etc.).

• Verify that required supporting documentation (quotes, insurance, etc.) is complete and consistent with PO or contract data.

• Enter and update contract information in the university's contract lifecycle management or eProcurement repository.

• Track pending contracts for signature and ensure proper document retention and filing.

• Collaborate with Contract Manager or Category Managers to escalate issues requiring legal or policy review.

• Assist in monitoring contract expirations and supporting renewal or close-out activities.

• Perform additional duties as requested by the Contracts Manager or Contracts Director to support procurement operations and contract administration.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 2+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, accounts payable, or related administrative operations.

• Familiarity with higher-education or public-sector procurement principles.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage a high transaction volume.

• Proficiency with ERP or eProcurement platforms.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to interpret and apply procurement and financial policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or state agency procurement.

• Knowledge of the Virginia Higher Ed Procurement Manual, the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA), and relevant procurement laws.

• Professional certification, such as VCA, VCO, or CUPO.

• Experience with process documentation, audit preparation, or continuous improvement projects.

• Familiarity with basic contract lifecycle management or document tracking systems.

Application review will begin on January 7, 2026.

This is a Hybrid role, with an in-office element each week.

This position will remain open until filled. This is an exempt level, benefited position. The University will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment.Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This is a Restricted position, and dependent on the continuation of funding. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future. For questions about the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb@virginia.edu.

Please apply through the University job board, Careers at UVA, and search for R0079126.

Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents:a resume and cover letter.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor's degree required.

Experience: 2+ years of relevant experience required.

Licensure: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.