Since 1906, UWG has been home to those who are eager to take their own path, learn, and grow. With more than 12,700 students from across Georgia, 34 other states and 64 countries, 95+ undergraduate programs and concentrations, and 35 master’s, specialist, and doctoral degree programs, we’ve come a long way since then. Today, we’re a regional powerhouse making a $626 million local economic impact.

With locations in Carrollton, Douglasville, and Newnan, Georgia, we take pride in making a difference in the lives of our students, our neighbors, and the world. In essence, UWG provides a safe, quality and affordable college experience that transforms lives. Amazing things happen when you Go West!

The university is organized into our College of Art, Culture, and Scientific Inquiry; College of Education; Richards College of Business; University College; School of Communication, Film, and Media; Tanner Health System School of Nursing; Honors College; Graduate School; UWG Newnan; and our UWG Douglasville Center.

This position is a customer focused, state certified position (training provided) which

1. Review, approve, and dispatch purchase orders;

2. Verifies purchase orders meet published standards, use order of precedence requirements, include backup documentation, and provide proper procurement and financial coding;

3. Serves as the campus subject matter expert in regards to requisitions and state-wide contracts;

4.Ensures all procurement of goods and services are compliant with Federal, State, and University policy and procedures;

5. Applies training to day-today scenarios and works within a team of other certified professionals;

6. Assists administrators, faculty, and staff by providing guidelines and best practices and recommends actions based on charts of accounts and compliance;

7. Provides support to the procurement manager, contract manager, and campus departments;

8. Demonstrates administrative assistance abilities;

9. Provides a high-level of customer service to internal and external customers and suppliers; and as required,

10. Manage, administer, and maintain the fuel card program per Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) policies and procedures. Special Instructions: Key procurement specialist who manages the procurement/purchase process and dispatches purchase orders across campus partners and vendors, ensuring accuracy and federal, state, and university compliance. University of West Georgia Procurement Office is a fast pace, dynamic environment, where you apply State of Georgia Certification standards in a customer focused role. This is an on-site procurement team environment. Become part of a team curating a first-choice University at the University of West Georgia.

1. Process and Manage Purchase Orders (75%)

Manages the complete purchase order process university wide per each purchase order. Ensures university compliance with all state purchasing, Department of Administrative Service (DOAS) and Board of Regents procurement (BOR) policies and guidelines. Serves as the purchasing liaison with designated areas within the university the university campus community. Ensures all procurement of goods and services are compliant with Federal, State, and University policy and procedures. Reviews, corrects, and dispatches purchase orders in accordance to policy. Reviews and verifies purchase order information to ensure correct chart string, amount, procurement order of precedence, and NIGP code(s).

2. Procurement Guidance (15%)

Provides guidance to administrators, staff, and faculty for acquiring goods and services. Shares best practice insight for purchase orders, recommends actions based upon analyzing accuracy of purchase orders. Reviews fund utilization to ensure departments are clearing all outstanding debts.

3. Train (3%)

Serves as a campus subject matter expert in procurement and purchasing on requisitions and state-wide contracts. Provides periodic in-class training in forums and classroom instruction.

4. Purchase Card (2%)

Possesses a purchasing card to procure goods and services for the university. Assist with campus fuel pins and management of the on campus fuel program.

5. Analyst (5%)

Applies the knowledge learned in the Georgia Certification to review the purchase orders for compliance. Reviews all purchase orders from a strategic view by pulling reports, queries, and analyzing data to improve the overall purchase order process and to provide feedback to campus partners.

Required Education

High School / GED

Required Experience

Two or three years of experience in purchasing or business administration field or experience in a fast pace environment, leadership, customer service role, or an Associate's Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance. Minimum of two years of customer service experience. General knowledge of state or government accounting policies and processes. Georgia Certified Purchasing Agent (GCPA) achieved within six months of hiring, and Georgia Certified Purchasing Management (GCPM) qualification within 18 months of hiring. Due to purchasing responsibilities, must be able to pass a credit check and be able to manage the University purchasing card.

Preferred Education

Bachelors Degree

Preferred Experience

Georgia Certified Purchasing Agent (GCPA) and Georgia Certified Purchasing Management (GCPM) Certification. Higher Education Procurement Experience and other Procurement Certifications.

Salary Range

$22.12 - $24.03 (hourly) paid on a bi-weekly basis - pay based on experience

Demonstrated agility. Adapts to changing work priorities to meet deadlines and schedules. Works as part of a team with constant interruptions. Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Google workspace, and PeopleSoft. Ability to respond diplomatically to sensitive and critical issues. Demonstrate ability to work cooperatively, professionally, and constructively in a team environment, and to work and interact professionally with all levels of management. Self-Starter, quick learner, who takes responsibility and accountability to make key decisions. Ensures accurate and timely work. Excellent verbal, written communication, and presentation skills. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and analysis. Possess planning and organizing skills. Proficient with software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, electronic records management (Docuware), electronic procurement experience. Possess superior customer service and relationship building skills.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia, as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to follow federal law in regards to affirmative action and equal opportunity. The University of West Georgia's affirmative action program and related policies are developed in compliance with Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, as amended; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Sections 503 & 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II) and their implementing regulations; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as it amends 38 U.S.C. 4212.

Decision Making/Consequences of Error

Purchase Orders processed that are out of compliance with State Purchasing can result in audit findings causing the University to have a reduced delegated spending authority. Contract renewals not executed on time can cause the University to lose the ability to purchase necessary goods and services.