Procurement and Contract Officer

Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Category: Professional Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Tue Sep 1 2026 Job Description: Empire State University is seeking qualified and motivated applicants for the position of Procurement and Contract Officer. The Procurement and Contract Officer is a member of the SUNY Empire University procurement department and is responsible for managing procurement activities and contract administration to ensure compliance with SUNY policies, New York State laws, and applicable federal regulations. This position supports the university's mission by facilitating the efficient and ethical acquisition of goods and services while promoting transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. The Procurement and Contract Officer will work with all departments and functional offices in the procurement of goods and services for the University. Duties And Responsibilities Include Managing competitive bid processes (RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs) for IT purchasing activity at SUNY Empire State University, including those for facilities, information technology services, marketing and student services. Leading the development, negotiation, and execution of key contracts and vendor relationships; managing those relationships to optimize service, quality and cost; including regular business reviews with university stakeholders. Managing procurement activity in the Jaggaer e-procurement system. Ensuring savings initiatives spanning cost reduction, cost avoidance, revenue enhancement, rebates, etc. are accurately documented, reviewed, reported and transferred to the annual operating budgets and long-term strategic plans. Coordinating and recommending MWBE (Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises) and SDVOB (Service Disabled Veterans Owned Business) sourced goods and services in accordance with NYS goals. Developing contracts that drive value and support university requirements, including clearly defined requirements for goods and services, performance measurements and practices within New York State guidelines, rules, and laws. Authoring or redlining contractual documents independently or in concert with legal; designing and revising templates as required. Ensuring valid contracts are in place before high quality, competitively bid goods or services are purchased via implementing standard terms & conditions. Evaluating suppliers through fair and thorough techniques and resolving contractual issues / concerns as they may arise. Initiating strategic vendor improvement and performance tracking and accountability to maintain contract compliance. Developing a departmental strategy, category sourcing plans, and an execution roadmap to identify opportunities that will provide best price, quality, and value. Preparing presentations and analysis to support business cases to support recommendations and optimizing value. Working to educate the university community on New York State procurement requirements and procedures. Assist internal stakeholders and budget/cost center owners to identify and implement opportunities/processes to ensure the timely provision of goods and services. Ensuring that targeted cost savings are achieved without placing the risk on the university's quality, outcomes, and timeline requirements. Maximizing the use of technology to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. Developing and implementing continuous process improvement and leading practices. Job Requirements Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited university or significant experience in procurement and contract administration. Three (3) or more years of progressively increasing responsibility in procurement, sourcing and vendor relationship experience, preferably in higher education or not-for-profit field. Experience with competitive bidding (RFI, RFP, RFQ), vendor selection, and vendor risk assessment; or related experience. Commitment to ethical procurement practices and transparency in public contracting. Cont…

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