Director of Purchasing

Fairfield University is a co-educational, comprehensive Jesuit

university with a 200-acre campus located along the scenic

shoreline community of Fairfield, CT. The University is comprised

of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students

pursuing degrees within 5 schools: The College of Arts and

Sciences, The Charles F. Dolan School of Business, The School of

Engineering, The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health

Studies, and School of Education and Human Development. As an

expression of our Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity, Fairfield

embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging

critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering

ethical and religious values.

Job Description

Please Read*

For consideration, please contact our search partner, Ken McGovern,

President of KMR Executive Search LLC, at [email protected] or (860) 404-2526.

DIVISION: Finance

DEPARTMENT: Purchasing

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Purchasing is responsible for strategic and

operational leadership of the Purchasing and Central Receiving

functions. The Director leads the development and implementation of

University-wide procurement strategies that align with the

University mission and goals. In addition to managing complex

sourcing initiatives, the director oversees and directly

contributes to contract review, supplier relationships, risk

management, internal control discipline, P-Card administration, and

the procurement of goods and services in accordance with prescribed

University policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree required, or equivalent

relevant experience.

EXPERIENCE: 10+ years progressive purchasing experience with

5 years in a leadership role or related experience from which

comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Experience preparing and analyzing bid documents, negotiations,

contract review/redlining, and supplier management. Experience with

Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) software and Workday is a plus.

Private‑industry experience is valued; exposure to higher education

is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Proven leadership skills, extremely

organized, self-starter with proven ability to problem solve.

Exercise sound independent judgement and communicate well with all

levels at the University. Ability to work independently and as part

of a team. Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks,

projects, and demands to meet deadlines. Advanced negotiation

skills and strong understanding of contract legal and business

terms. Demonstrated ability to Coach/mentor staff. Strong Computer

Skills, Proficient with MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel,

Word).

SUPERVISION OF PERSONNEL

DIRECT

• Junior Buyer
• Assistant Director
• Supervisor of Central Receiving

INDIRECT

• 2 Attendants in Receiving

REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Strategy & Leadership: In conjunction with the CFO

and other Senior Leadership, responsible to formulate the

direction, goals, and policies for procurement of the Institution.

Translate strategic objectives into tactical business plans and

operational processes.

2. Cost Savings & Value: Identify ethical cost reduction

opportunities, optimize spending, and ensure maximum value from

supplier relationships.

3. Vendor & Contract Management: Oversee sourcing

initiatives and bidding (RFPs/RFIs/RFQs), vendor selection,

negotiations, contract review, onboarding, and performance

monitoring. Establish and maintain an open line of communication

and effective working relationship with existing and potential

suppliers. Responsible for investigating new sources of goods and

services to obtain and maintain competitive pricing.

4. Operations: Manage (plan, prioritize, assign) procurement

and Central Receiving operations and staff, and ensure operational

excellence and timely completion of processes/workflow. Train and

support the University community in all aspects of requisitioning

and purchasing processes/modules.

5. Compliance & Risk: Ensure adherence to all University

policies. Minimize financial, legal, and reputational risk to the

University.

6. Process Improvement: Streamline procurement processes,

implement best practice, and leverage technology for efficiency and

compliance.

8. Team Management: Train, mentor, and develop Purchasing

and Central Receiving staff to foster professional growth and

develop a high-performance, service-oriented culture. Set

performance goals, supervise, and conduct annual performance

reviews.

9. Stakeholder Collaboration: Responsible for developing and

maintaining strong relationships with departments/stakeholders

throughout the University.

10. Growth and Development of the Department

Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth

within the department. Serve as a committee representative in

professional organizations such as National Association of

Educational Procurement (NAEP) and Connecticut Colleges Purchasing

Group (CCPG). Promote an image of efficiency and courtesy

throughout the University community.

11. Performs other related duties as directed.

Duties may be changed and/or be added at any time.

Please Read*

For consideration, please contact our search partner, Ken McGovern,

President of KMR Executive Search LLC, at [email protected] or (860) 404-2526.

• Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to

indicate the general nature and level of work performed by

employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain

or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties,

responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned

to this job.

Category

Finance - Admin

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as

required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs

indicate.

• Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of

work performed by employees within this classification. It is not

designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a

comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities,

activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees

assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may

change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without

notice.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory

background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all

employees and applicants for employment and prohibits

discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race,

color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status,

genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender

identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by

federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and

conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement,

promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of

absence, compensation and training.

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