Purchasing Specalist

Madison College is excited to announce the position of Purchasing Specialist. This position plays a key role in advancing the college’s procurement strategy by guiding departments through purchasing processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering strong vendor relationships. Through expertise in procurement systems, contract evaluation, and competitive bidding, the role helps drive efficient, transparent, and cost-effective practices that support the institution’s mission and operational needs.

• Maintains a high standard of professional, clear, and courteous communication with internal (including college leadership) and external stakeholders across all platforms, including email, phone, video conferencing, and written correspondence.
• Ensures all interactions reflect the organization’s values and brand voice, fostering trust, clarity, and collaboration.
• Acts as a procurement consultant to departments and college leadership team on purchasing procedures, interpreting policies and resolving procurement-related negotiations and contracting challenges to support strategic procurement outcomes with minimal oversight.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on regulatory and policy compliance by interpreting State of Wisconsin, WTCS and District procurement laws to purchasing activities proactively identifying and mitigating compliance risks.
• Drives strategic institutional resource allocation by conducting analysis of procurement data and intergovernmental contracts to identify and implement cross-departmental and district-wide cost-saving opportunities.
• Builds institutional procurement capacity by designing and delivering training on purchasing policies, procedures and system usage to equip staff with the skills to navigate procurement effectively.
• Manages competitive bidding and proposal processes ensuring transparent, compliant vendor selection.
• Fosters an inclusive, equitable and supportive procurement environment where all individuals at the institution feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute to institutional success.
• Champions alignment with college policies, directives, and strategic objectives while maintaining a commitment to the college’s mission, vision and values.
• Performs other advanced procurement duties within the scope of the position as required for the efficient operation of the division and to support institutional improvement.

This full-time, salaried position offers exceptional benefits including the Wisconsin Retirement System. $67,529 - $78,886

This position works three days in office at our Truax campus and two days virtually. Hybrid work subject to change per college policy. General office hours are M-F, 8:00am – 4:30 pm, with some flexibility.

• Experience with purchasing practices and regulations.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement.
• Experience with public competitive bidding and proposal processes.
• Knowledge of enterprise resource planning programs and other relevant procurement technology solutions.
• Skill in effectively training and advising staff on procurement procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple processes, meet deadlines and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to provide effective customer service and resolve concerns.
• Ability to apply procurement policies and procedures.
• Skill in engaging positively with all populations and communities, contributing to a safe and inclusive learning and work environment.
• Champions alignment with college policies, directives, and strategic objectives while maintaining a commitment to the college’s mission, vision and values. Performs other advanced procurement duties within the scope of the position as required for the efficient operation of the division and to support institutional improvement.
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• An Associate’s Degree may be considered with equivalent relevant additional work experience. 2-4 plus years of relevant, professional, and progressive work experience.

Madison College does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Interested candidates can apply online at Madison College. Submit cover letter and resume by the first review date of October 9, 2025. After this date, the recruitment may close without further notice. Anticipated first round virtual interviews October 21 and 22, with second round, in person interviews, October 29 and 30. Contact - Vickie Arneson/Talent Consultant - varneson@madisoncollege.edu.

Madison College, a community college in Madison, WI, is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming for a community where all individuals are valued, differences are celebrated, and employee demographics mirror those of its students.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. First review of applications will begin October 9, 2025.