#138902 Marine Procurement Administrator

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Marine Procurement Administrator serves as the primary procurement specialist supporting ship operations at the Nimitz Marine Facility. This role is critical to ensuring vessels are equipped with the goods, services, and provisions needed to safely and successfully carry out scientific missions around the world.

This position combines procurement expertise with financial analysis and operational coordination. The ideal candidate is resourceful, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where timing and accuracy are essential. Especially when procurement challenges could impact safety or mission success.

About SOMTS

Ship Operations and Marine Technical Support (SOMTS) is a unique and dynamic department that operates the Institution’s three major seagoing research vessels and supports a wide range of oceanographic research activities.

Our team of professional mariners, technical staff, and engineers conduct physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies across the globe. We are part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet and the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS). Our vessels operate from our home port at the Nimitz Marine Facility (MarFac) in San Diego. The department is responsible for vessel maintenance and safe operations, as well as administration of MarFac and the Deep-Sea Drilling West facility on the Scripps La Jolla campus.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Vendor Management (Primary Focus)

~Manage end-to-end purchasing of materials, equipment, and services in support of marineoperations

~Determine appropriate procurement methods (purchase orders, contracts, P-Card, blanketorders, etc.)

~Prepare and issue Requests for Quotations (RFQs), including specifications and terms

~Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with domestic and international vendors

~Negotiate pricing, terms, and resolve vendor performance issues

~Coordinate procurement of supplies and services for vessels in ports worldwide

~Track long-lead, high-value, and time-sensitive purchases to ensure operational readiness

~Ensure compliance with University procurement policies and ethical business practices

~Maintain procurement records, databases, and tracking systems

Financial Analysis & Reporting

~Develop and maintain financial and statistical reports to track spending and trends

~Analyze expenditures and identify irregularities or cost-saving opportunities

~Support budget forecasting and funding proposals with data-driven insights

~Monitor encumbrances and ensure accurate accounting entries

~Partner with fund managers and leadership on financial planning and issue resolutionSystems, Training & Process Improvement

~Lead use and optimization of marine procurement/maintenance systems

~Train staff and vendors on procurement processes and policies

~Recommend and implement process improvements for efficiency and cost-effectiveness

~Stay current on University policies and communicate updates to stakeholdersGeneral Administration & Special Projects

~Maintain and audit equipment inventory, including tagging and tracking

~Coordinate required physical inventories and compliance activities

~Monitor and renew service agreements and maintenance contracts

~Provide backup support to the Business Office and assist with special projects

NOTE: Salary placement is determined by the top candidate’s overall qualifications/relevant experience, market data and internal equity.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain operations

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines

• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across diverse teams and vendors

• Proficiency in financial systems, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools

• Commitment to high-level customer service

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in maritime, logistics, or global operations environments

• Familiarity with public sector or university procurement policies

• Experience coordinating international vendors or port services

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Background check required.

• Must be willing to work overtime when operational needs require it.

• Must be able to obtain a Transportation Worker's Identification Credential (TWIC) card, issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages and educational opportunities in a diverse, stimulating workforce. This position is also eligible for full:

1) Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

2) Vacation/Holidays

3) Life Insurance

4) UC Retirement Plan.

You are encouraged to review additional information about our organization at the following:https://scripps.ucsd.edu/ships

Benefits: http://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/benefits/work-life/health.html

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace