JOB SUMMARY

Primary responsibilities of this role includes, but is not limited to, utilize existing policies, procedures, and statutes to support and/or plan, develop and organize all phases of assigned responsibilities for prequalification, bidding, awarding, contracting, and contract administration functions of construction, design professional services, and service maintenance related procurement efforts; receive, process, and approve requisitions and purchase orders for goods and services (within approved authority level); determine most appropriate  method of procurement of goods and services in accordance with federal/state statutes and University policies and procedures; assist with and/or prepare and solicit competitive bids from qualified vendors; assist with and/or define and negotiate appropriate terms and conditions on behalf of the University relative to contractual obligations; recommend and/or authorize the purchase of goods and services and ensure the unique needs of the University are addressed with needs analysis, scheduling, knowledge of local/regional construction industry and market as well as industry trends.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive requests for goods and services related to design professionals, construction, and/or facilities maintenance from departments and determine most appropriate method of procurement in accordance with federal and state statutes as well as University policies and procedures.
• Develop Requests for Qualifications, Requests for Proposals, and Invitations to Bid to solicit competitive bids from qualified design professionals, consultants, general contractors, trade contractors, construction managers, and vendors; assist with contract preparation and ensure compliance with department and University policies and procedures.
• Review and authorize purchase orders and change orders within delegated authorized dollar limits for construction services and materials from qualified vendors, contractors, design professionals, consultants, etc.; ensure services are procured in accordance with contract documents, statutes, and University requirements.
• Manage the prequalification and selection process for contractors, design professionals, and consultants to ensure compliance with regulatory sources and University policy and procedures.  Develop and maintain proper records documenting the selection of contractors. 
• Work to identify new and innovative methods and processes to accomplish the design professional and construction procurement tasks while ensuring compliance with State statutes and University policies.
• In cooperation and coordination with University Planning, Design & Construction Department (UPDC), Facilities Operations, Information Technology Services (ITS) and other University Departments, create the appropriate prequalification and procurement documents.
• As authorized by the University Director, conduct negotiations on contract prices, technical requirements, and terms and conditions; issue recommendations for contract and service awards to the internal Stakeholder.
• Monitor design professional and contractor performance ensuring compliance with contract terms including change orders, contractor delay, appeals, claims, liquidated damages, settlements, and terminations.  Evaluate contractor compliance with contract clauses and initiate corrective actions when issues are identified.
• Respond to inquiries and requests relating to capital program procurement activities; assist with contractor payment inquiries; and participate in post project completion issues and related issues, as applicable.
• Train, instruct and/or supervise a team comprised of students and/or lower-level staff members, as applicable.
• Develop and maintain purchasing expertise in business and procurement law, federal and state statutes, the Uniform Commercial Code, environmental and safety issues, and University policies and procedures.
• Conduct training seminars for faculty and staff pertaining to purchasing policies and procedures within assigned area(s) of expertise.
• Collaborate with University stakeholders to support an effective Supplier Diversity Program.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other documents. 
• Attend meetings as required. 
• Perform related duties as required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree in related field and four (4) or more years of related professional experience in a comparable environment procuring related goods and services OR an Associate’s degree in related field and at least six (6) years professional experience in a comparable environment.   An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the degree and years requirement.
2. General working knowledge of acceptable procurement practices as applicable to purchasing and delivery methods, strategies and trends in local, regional, and national construction industries, and federal and state statutes. 
3. Experience working with contractors, design professionals, engineers, consultants, facility managers, and staff including the ability to evaluate services and products to determine technical compliance and resolve discrepancies.
4. Strong computer experience using Microsoft Office Suite. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s or an advanced degree preferably in design and/or a construction related discipline.
2. Strong background in construction procurement and demonstrated knowledge of contracting, construction scheduling, and construction methods, as well as design professional services procurement and contracting.
3. Ability to analyze data, business and market trends and recommend solutions. 
4. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate those needs to the contractor/vendor community along with demonstrated ability to develop and maintain constructive, professional relationships with a wide variety of individuals.   
5. Working knowledge in contractor and design professional services proposal analysis, commodity forecasting, quality assessment, and value analysis. 
6. Demonstrated ability and supervisory skills to train less experienced procurement staff.
7. Familiarity with following software applications: Jaggaer (eProcurement Solution), KFS (Kuali Financial Systems), Oracle Unifier, and/or other commercial planning and project management software. 
8. Knowledge of State of CT General Statutes, Federal Regulations, and University Procurement Policies and Procedures as they relate to construction procurement.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position, working Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Storrs campus. The salary range for this position is $75,000-$83,000 and will be commensurate with the successful candidate's background and experience. 

The department is currently working under a hybrid model requiring all staff to be on the Storrs campus two (2) days per week and to work remotely three (3) days per week.  The hybrid work schedule may change subject to authorization and University policy.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499318 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on December 14, 2025. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.