Chief Purchasing Officer
Western Carolina University Department:
Purchasing & Accounts Payable About WCU:
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year.
Including:
2025
- Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list. 2024
- Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. 2023
- Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. 2022
- Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans
- eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences
- many of which are offered free of charge.
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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
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 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 bdsteinbicker@email.wcu.edu AA/EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu . University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety. To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34302 je-816587abe9e84864b8ce2cb433e7a680
