Procurement Analyst I

The Procurement Analyst is responsible for researching and optimizing the procurement process within an organization, including projects related to Procurement continuous improvement initiatives, assisting with the implementation of Key Performance Indicator management, reporting, and post-award Procurement initiatives. This role involves analyzing procurement data, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring the efficient acquisition of goods and services. Key responsibilities include analyzing procurement data (supplier, product, contracts, etc.), conducting market research, and developing procurement strategies. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of supply chain management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee various procurement projects to identify process gaps, analyze data, initiate strategies, and manage results. This includes system/process improvement, strategic analysis, and executive-level categories.
• Create and manage analytical reports in the various Procurement & Finance systems.
• Assist with collecting, organizing, and analyzing key performance indicator measures for the Procurement sections.
• Review and manage the Procurement training program and communication initiatives for the Procurement department
• Review, document, and publish new policies and procedures, codifying existing University Standard formats.
• Research and analyze University-wide buying trends in assigned product or service families. Analyze procurement spend to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Work closely with senior leadership, finance, operations, and other departments to ensure procurement processes align with business needs.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives and work on complex cost modeling and financial analysis.
• Work with Sourcing team to monitor and evaluate supplier performance, driving continuous improvements in quality, delivery, and cost.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with internal customers to continually identify and address needs. Routinely consult with end-users to discuss, evaluate, and plan for current and future needs. Facilitate meetings and develop teamwork plans as needed.
• Review various methods to locate potential new suppliers, understanding the landscape in terms of supplier base, technologies, competitive environment, market trends, and cost impact for the relevant commodities and services.
• Actively contribute to and support ongoing efforts to identify, recommend, and implement new systems, reports, or processes that add end-user value, enhance the procurement process, and improve customer satisfaction. Participate in efforts to develop, implement, and communicate enhanced systems and processes.
• Track forecasted vs. actual savings and performance indicators for assigned Categories and communicate results/performance against these measures.
• Remains abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services, and leading industry performance benchmarks to improve procurement efficiency and effectiveness.
• Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission. Ability to flex and support additional needs as assigned.
• Define and execute the overall procurement strategy for the organization, aligning with business goals.
• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Minimum Qualifications

• Well-developed reasoning, communication, and customer service skills.
• Working knowledge of Procurement functions, Contracting, and source-to-pay software.
• Strong computer skills including effective use of MS Office software, Outlook, and Teams.
• Strong technical and business writing and presentation skills.
• Excellent, organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Teamwork-oriented and operating under minimal supervision.
• Ability to articulate and defend the unique Christian educational mission and vision of Liberty University and its subsidiaries to a wide variety of individuals and groups.
• Individual must not be in default on any federal student or parent loan.
• Individual must not be convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of federal, state, or local government funds, -or- be administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving federal, state, or local government funds (CFR 668.14(b)(18)(i))

Minimum Qualifications Level I

• Bachelors-level college degree with a concentration in business or supply chain management; significant additional experience may substitute.
• Analytical skills and project management knowledge.
• One to two years of professional experience in a procurement environment, though internships or related coursework can be beneficial.

Minimum Qualifications Level II

• Bachelors-level college degree with a concentration in business or supply chain management; significant additional experience may substitute.
• Two to five years of professional experience in a procurement environment, with a proven track record of handling procurement tasks and relationships.
• Strong Analytical skills and project management knowledge.
• Certification by a recognized professional Contract/Procurement/Purchasing organization

Minimum Qualifications Level III

• Master’s Degree in a relevant Business-related field of study; significant additional experience may substitute.
• Five or more years of professional experience in a procurement environment, including managing Procurement strategy and leading procurement projects.
• Advanced Analytical skills and project management knowledge.
• Certification by a recognized professional Contract/Procurement/Purchasing organization

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification by a recognized professional Contract/Procurement/Purchasing organization is desired; including: Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Associate in Contract Management (CACM), Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM), or Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP).
• Working knowledge of Banner preferred.
• Significant experience using Jaggaer & Infor source-to-pay procurement software.
• Fluent in Spanish or American Sign Language. 

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively understand and communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, in a clear, articulate, and professional manner, conveying complex ideas and information.
• Possess public communication skills for professional representation of Liberty University.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
• Strong organizational skills, with ability to manage changes in priorities as need arises.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Frequently requires sitting for extended periods to perform deskwork and efficiently and accurately interface with computer systems via keyboard and mouse.
• Regularly required to hear and speak to effectively communicate orally, including use of phone, video conferencing software, instant chat, and other communication methods.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the workplace.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment to typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office environment, including a mix of cubicles and offices, with moderate noise levels. Additional time may be spent in Internal Customer work areas and warehouse environments.    

If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel.  Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee’s position. 

Time Type

Full time

Location

Hybrid

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.