Position Summary Information
Primary Purpose
The Procurement Services Division is a unit reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor and Controller in the Finance and Operations Division. It consists of the Purchasing Department, Central Warehouse, and Surplus Property.
The unit is responsible for procuring, receiving, inventory control, and disposition of all commodities and services for the University while abiding by applicable North Carolina General Statutes, Federal procurement and grant requirements, the North Carolina Administrative Code, the Division of Purchase and Contract Purchasing Manual, North Carolina State Auditors and other applicable state regulatory agencies.
The Chief Procurement Officer plays a critical role in ensuring that Appalachian State University's procurement decisions advance institutional priorities, protect public resources, and deliver measurable value-while maintaining the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and service.
Minimum Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, or other directly related field is required.
- The candidate must have five years of senior managerial procurement experience, preferably in higher education, along with five years of direct supervisory experience.
- Other requirements include a demonstrated leadership ability that includes excellent oral and written communication skills to relate effectively to departments, vendors, and employees, and strong leadership skills.
Candidates with knowledge of the North Carolina State Purchasing Policies, administering PCard programs, experience with Banner ERP System, and Jagger e-procurement solutions will be given preference.
License/Certification Required
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of North Carolina State Purchasing Policies and public procurement regulations.
- Experience administering a Purchasing Card (PCard) Program.
- Experience with Banner ERP, JAGGAER/SciQuest, or comparable eprocurement systems.
- Professional certification (CPSM, C.P.M., CPPO, CPP, or equivalent).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement Leadership
- Develops and executes a strategic procurement framework that aligns purchasing activity with institutional priorities, UNC System initiatives, and public stewardship obligations.
- Shifts procurement from a transactional service model to a proactive, advisory, and valuefocused function.
- Identifies opportunities for cost containment, cost avoidance, standardization, and supplier optimization through data analysis and spend visibility.
Procurement, Contracting, and Compliance Oversight
- Reviews and approves solicitations, contract awards, and procurement actions for goods and services.
- Ensures compliance with all applicable state, federal, and UNC System procurement requirements.
- Serves as the University authority on procurement interpretation, exception management, and risk mitigation.
- Maintains auditready processes and transparent documentation.
Central Warehouse Administration
- Provides strategic oversight of Central Warehouse operations, including inventory management, central receiving, and distribution.
- Aligns warehouse operations with procurement planning, demand forecasting, and sustainability initiatives.
- Ensures costeffective operations while maintaining service standards.
Surplus Property Management
- Oversees Surplus Property operations to ensure compliant, ethical, and environmentally responsible disposition of University assets.
- Integrates surplus activity with asset lifecycle planning and institutional sustainability goals.
University Purchasing Card (PCard) Program
- Provides governance and strategic oversight of the PCard Program.
- Ensures appropriate training, controls, monitoring, and compliance.
- Uses PCard data to enhance spend analytics and procurement decisionmaking.
Personnel, Budget, and Organizational Leadership
- Exercises authority over personnel management, departmental budgeting, and procurement decisionmaking.
- Leads, mentors, and develops staff to support a highperforming, serviceoriented procurement organization.
- Promotes professional development, succession planning, and continuous improvement.
Type of Position Full Time Position Staff/Non-Faculty Staff/Non-Faculty VISA Sponsorship? VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S. Appointment Type 1.0 Work Schedule/Hours Monday - Friday, 8AM-5PM , at times some extended hours Number of Hours Per Week 40 with extra at times Number of Months Per Year 12 Mandatory Staff No Suggested Salary Range $110,000 - $118,000 Physical Demands of Position
Normal office activity.
Posting Details Information
Posting Date 05/19/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Evaluation of Applications Begins 06/01/2026 Proposed Date of Hire 07/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration please provide the following:
List 3 references with contact info in the body of the application, or attach in the optional space provided under "application documents."
Search Chair Name Timothy James Search Chair Email jamestd1@appstate.edu Quick Link https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/54323 Posting Number 201501777P