Description

This job is to direct the purchasing and contracting functions of the University, assuring that purchasing/contracting processes are carried out in conformity with university policies and procedures and Tennessee state law. Specific primary functions include contract review/approval for form and legality, negotiation of contract terms to ensure conformity with state law, effective implementation and management of competitive procurement processes, and staff supervision.

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 

Requirements

• Primary contracting officer for the university. Gives final on-campus approval as to content of legal documents for the President to execute, where appropriate. Executes all contracts, other than research or grant contracts, for the Sr. Vice President for Planning and Finance. Maintains direct contact with university legal counsel regarding acceptable language, terms, and conditions for policy compliance. Reviews locally prepared amendments to external contracts for compliance with applicable laws, executes proper amendments for the University, and transmits such to vendors. Serves as primary University negotiator and compliance review individual for contracts established for personal, professional and consultative services, clinical affiliation agreements, dual service agreements, facility use, computer hardware/software licensing agreements, and all other such agreements as the need arises. 
• Administers university's procurement system. Examines and supervises the processing of departmental purchasing requests for goods and services. Reviews purchasing requests to ensure competitive bid requirements of the State of Tennessee and the university are met. Executes purchase orders on behalf of university. Communicates with administrators and faculty in problem-solving, expediting and education of university purchasing policies and procedures. Ensures that Purchasing Office operations are consistent with university guidelines with respect to security of confidential information.
• Prepares bid documents and coordinates evaluation criteria and personnel for complex Requests for Quotation and Requests for Proposal.
• Provides directions to personnel and recommends personnel actions for Purchasing and Contracts Office. Approves leave reports and conducts performance evaluations.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as required for various state offices.
• Reviews and interprets State of Tennessee laws and regulations and university policies and procedures, as needed. Prepares updates to Procurement Manual (University's procurement procedures) and Procard Manual (procurement card procedures) to incorporate substantive changes from all regulatory and governing bodies.
• Prepares and administers university budget for Purchasing and Contracts.