Procurement & Contracts Specialist

Knights Experience Team (kNEXT):

The University of Central Florida’s (UCF’s) the Knights Experience Team (kNEXT) primarily provides customer service to the Finance Business Centers (FBCs) and the Human Resources Business Centers (HRBC's) employees, assisting with various tasks as needed. kNEXT also provides administrative support services to staff across all colleges and divisions of the University. kNEXT is designed to reduce the administrative burden on individual colleges, consolidate transaction-based functions, create economies of scale, and improve backroom process efficiency so the colleges can better focus resources on their mission.
 
The team is made up of HR Specialists and Travel & Procurement Specialists, who will provide information and support across campus, reduce administrative burden, and empower employees to learn and grow. These Specialists will operate as campus experts on processes and procedures, support training and development, provide specialized reporting and analytics, and support central office transactions. All employees within kNEXT will also work to continuously improve processes and workflows.
 
The purpose of kNEXT is to ensure that the services provided meet or exceed expected performance levels and satisfy the needs of the faculty/staff/students (colleges/divisions).

The Opportunity:

As a subject matter expert within the Knights Experience Team (kNEXT), the Procurement & Contracts Specialist plays a key role in how UCF acquires goods and services across the university. You will ensure purchasing activities remain compliant with state procurement laws and public bidding requirements, administer contracts, manage formal solicitation processes, and negotiate directly with suppliers to secure the best value for UCF. This is a highly visible, collaborative role — you will partner with faculty, staff, department heads, and Finance Business Centers university-wide, serving as a trusted resource on all things procurement.

Classification Title: Travel & Procurement Specialist III

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the procurement of assigned services and commodities within designated authorized dollar limits. Review, process, and approve requisitions, change orders, and supplier contracts verifying accompanying documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.

• Assist, prepare, and issue solicitations for bid ensuring all documentation has been submitted timely, complete, and compliant in accordance with applicable policies and regulations. Evaluate and analyze bid responses, conduct negotiations, and develop recommendations for awards. Execute and maintain awarded contracts and process renewals and/or terminations.

• Review and analyze procurement contracts, leases, and pricing agreements making recommendations and changes, as needed. Review exceptional purchases, Waiver of Competitions, and Sole Source Certifications in accordance with applicable policies and regulations to determine validity.

• Manage and review open requisitions, purchase orders, and receipts as needed to close or cancel in a timely and efficient manner.

• Serve as a liaison in discussions between the University and suppliers regarding solicitations, procurement procedures and issues, shipping, and receiving ensuring compliance with contract or agreement terms and conditions

• Support Travel & Procurement Coordinators within the Finance Business Centers (FBCs) as experts on procurement-related processes and procedures.

• Continuously review and improve processes to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness. Support procurement training efforts.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or equivalent and (4+) years of relevant experience or combination of relevant comparable education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in procurement, contracting, or sourcing, preferably in a public sector or higher education environment. 

• Familiarity with public procurement regulations, including state purchasing laws and competitive bidding requirements. 

• Experience managing formal solicitation processes such as ITBs and ITNs. 

• Contract administration experience, including reviewing, negotiating, and maintaining procurement contracts and pricing agreements. 

• Supplier relationship management experience, including identifying and evaluating vendors and securing competitive terms. 

• Experience with Workday, PeopleSoft, or a comparable ERP system. 

• Strong service orientation with experience working across departments or supporting a broad range of stakeholders. 

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, public administration, or related field.

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The University of Central Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email [email protected].

For general application or posting questions, please email [email protected].