Procurement Specialist: College of Arts & Sciences – UTK Position Available In Knox, Tennessee

Procurement Specialist:

College of Arts & Sciences – UTK
University of Tennessee Chattanooga Knoxville, TN Full-time Education
Posted on April 06, 2025
Job Description
This position is part of the College of Arts and Sciences Financial Support Services Office (FSS) and primarily provides centralized purchasing for the teaching and research departments and programs in the

Division of Biology:

Core Biology; Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB); Ecology and Environmental Biology (EEB); Microbiology; and recharge centers. In addition to the primary departments this position will also provide purchasing support to any departments in the College of Arts and Sciences that request support. This position bears a high level of responsibility for policy compliance and is the first point of contact for faculty/staff/students requesting the purchase of services, materials, and equipment.
This position is part of the College of Arts and Sciences Financial Support Services Office (FSS) and primarily provides centralized purchasing for the teaching and research departments and programs in the

Division of Biology:

Core Biology; Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB); Ecology and Environmental Biology (EEB); Microbiology; and recharge centers. In addition to the primary departments this position will also provide purchasing support to any departments in the College of Arts and Sciences that request support. This position bears a high level of responsibility for policy compliance and is the first point of contact for faculty/staff/students requesting the purchase of services, materials, and equipment.
Responsibilities
Responsible for procurement of services, materials, and equipment for Division of Biology and requesting departments.
Maintain and monitor FSS Order access data base and Order Request Form.
Receive orders electronically from faculty/staff/students.
Request advanced approval from Principle Investigators (PI’s) and Department Heads according to established protocols. Communicate with order requester as necessary to clarify questions regarding details of order including account to be charged, delivery location, etc.
Confirm availability, pricing, estimated delivery of requested items with vendor.
Process change orders as requested.
Exercise extensive knowledge, keen business judgment, and perceptive interpretation of vendor processes and procedures and ensure purchases are in compliance with UT policy prior to order placement.
Work with University p-card office to manage closing of compromised p-cards and issue of replacement p-cards. Advise FSS staff concerning card usage and changes that affect p-card verification and distribution.
Organize and mark items as received when placing orders in Market Place that are charged to a centralized p-card.
Advise requester regarding substitutions and alternate vendors.
Contact vendor regarding incomplete or incorrect shipments, damaged goods, lost shipments. Work with vendor and delivery service to track missing packages. Negotiate terms of replacements and /or returns.
Notify Division employees of special deadlines and closings. Work with employees to ensure timely orders are placed in proper quantities to accommodate delivery disruptions.
Instruct new faculty/staff/students in use of on-line FSS order form, UT purchasing policies, FSS purchasing procedures.
Monitor FSS office supplies and replenish as needed.
Provide backup support for the FSS Financial Assistant and Operations Specialist as needed. Provide assistance with receipt and delivery of packages as needed.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education:

High School diploma

Experience:

1 year of purchasing experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of general procurement practices.
Skilled in Microsoft Office
Ability to communicate well and work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, student body, outside vendors, and the general public on a daily basis.
Ability to determine appropriate action with limited information.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to be detail oriented.
Ability to work as part of a team and provide excellent customer service.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to set priorities.
Ability to adapt to changing policies and procedures.
Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Associate’s Degree

Experience:

2 years of experience in a business or administrative office; experience in procurement for higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge in Shipping items via FedEx/UPS.
Knowledge of University fiscal policies.
Knowledge of material handling requirements for radioactive and hazardous materials.

Work Location:

Work will be onsite in Ken and Blaire Mossman Building.
Compensation and Benefits
UT market range: MR07
Anticipated hiring range: $45,000-$49,000, DOE&Q
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure Find more information on UT Benefits Application Instructions
For best consideration applicants should submit a cover letter, current resum, and 3 professional references with the application.