Job Description:

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details Posting Details

Job Title	Category Specialist
Requisition Number	RE47495
Working Title	Construction Category Specialist
Department Name	3DP00:Purchasing
Work Location	Lexington, KY
Grade Level	46
Salary Range	$52,021-85,800/year
Type of Position	Staff
Position Time Status	Full-Time
Required Education	BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies:	https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience	5 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification	None
Physical Requirements	Sitting at desk for extended periods of time.
Shift	8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday are standard hours Work beyond standard hours are required for an exempt position.
Job Summary	The Category Specialist is responsible for developing, executing, and sustaining the construction category of goods and services. Responsibilities include: independently managing multiple related spend categories supplier performance management customer relationship development determination of customer needs demand management forecasting for goods and services. The person holding this position will have a varied and demonstrate proficiency in coordinating the sourcing, bidding, procurement, and implementation of a diverse variety of goods, services, equipment, and services. This position would also monitor contract compliance for the University and manage the development and implementation of negotiation strategies. Create and review supplier contracts to ensure appropriate business terms are addressed, and facilitate legal and risk management review to ensure standard terms and conditions are inserted where appropriate. Lead sourcing events, including develop and manage IFB/RFP process through award and/or lead supplier negotiations. The Category Specialist is responsible for managing competitive solicitations, contract creation, contract execution, and renewals. Fostering campus collaboration and providing customer service are key components of this position. The individual will also prepare business cases by conducting detailed and comprehensive data and spend analysis, identifying and quantifying potential savings opportunities, utilizing sourcing best practices, and participate in execution planning. Track trends in the marketplace and actively monitor price indices applicable to category areas, identify new sources of supply and engage with new suppliers, work collaboratively with suppliers, and customer stakeholders to identify and execute continuous cost and performance improvement. Other duties as assigned.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities	Strong analytical skills required, Strong written and verbal communication skills. High proficiency with Microsoft Office software required such as PowerPoint, Excel, Word, etc… Construction experience preferred.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?	No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply	10/13/2024
Our University Community	We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How many years of paid work experience do you have in a customer service position?
   • None
   • More than 0, through 1 year
   • More than 1 year, through 3 years
   • More than 3 years, through 5 years
   • More than 5 years
2. * How many years of paid work experience do you have working with purchasing contracts?
   • None
   • More than 0, up through 1 year
   • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
   • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
   • More than 5 years
3. * Briefly describe your positive interpersonal skills and effective communication skills.

   (Open Ended Question)

4. * How many years of purchasing and/or materials management paid work experience do you have?
   • None
   • More than 0, up through 1 year
   • More than 1 year, up through 2 years
   • More than 2 years, up through 3 years
   • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
   • More than 5 years
5. * How many years of experience do you have in construction purchasing and/or construction contracting?
   • None
   • More than 0, up through 1 year
   • More than 1, up through 2 years
   • More than 2, up through 3 years
   • More than 3, up through 5 years
   • More than 5 years
6. * Where did you first see this position advertised other than on UK's online employment system?
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Diverseeducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education)
   • HERCjobs.org (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium)
   • InsightIntoDiversity.com
   • Latinosinhighered.com
   • Indeed.com
   • A Colleague, Friend and/or Family Member
   • UK Job Fair
   • None of the Above

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

PI250592980

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