Contract Specialist - UIC Purchasing
Hiring Department: UIC Purchasing
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1025708
Posting Close Date: July 1, 2024
Salary Range: $53,000 - $63,000 commensurate with experience
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
Description:
Under administrative direction, the Contract Specialist performs a variety of professional-level duties that are devoted to the area of contracts and procurement, with a focus on processing of template contracts. The Contract Specialist processes template contracts that are in the best interest of the University, reflecting established standards of legally-compliant business practices for a wide-range of commodities and services, while utilizing procurement and contract systems. Responsibilities will include processing of template contracts and related processes for various departments, including the colleges, UI Health enterprise, and administrative units, consistent with the departmental objectives and goals.
Duties & Responsibilities:
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Assist client departments in the processing and review of template contract documents, ensuring that: Pricing and contractual terms and conditions are in the best interests of the University; Illinois State Procurement Code and Rules, Federal procurement laws, rules, and requirements, and University policies are employed throughout the contract process; and legal and statutory requirements are incorporated into all agreements.
- Provide contracts support (including running of excluded party searches) and specialized services; investigate and troubleshoot problems related to contracts, and escalate as needed to achieve resolution.
- Serve as a liaison to departmental personnel regarding contract matters, and provide information about contracting policies and procedures applicable to certain types of contracts and requirements for compliance.
- Exercise knowledge of contract and procurement law, rules, policies and practices, including best practices for contract templates.
- Provide advice and counsel to departmental personnel with respect to most efficient contracting processes.
- Assist with compiling of contract documents in support of department, audit and FOIA requests.
- Coordinate requirements for particular departments or units as well as at university or system-wide level to maximize efficiencies in contracting processes.
- Pursue professional development activities to expand knowledge and maintain currency.
- Represent UIC Purchasing and Contract Management on various university committees or teams related to contracts and procurement.
- Act as liaison with other skilled contract specialists throughout the university and State.
- Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
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Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
- Two (2) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
(NOTE: A Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of State of Illinois Procurement laws and University procedures related to procurement.
- Knowledge of contract law and negotiation methods.
- Must be proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Ability to interpret, research and apply regulatory material pertaining to procurement.
- Ability to analyze and solve problems.
- Ability to evaluate bids and proposals and render advice and assistance.
- Ability to communicate effectively to convey information, directions, and ideas to others and to negotiate and prepare formal documents.
- Ability to present oral and written comments, recommendations, and information clearly and concisely.
- Ability to establish objectives, implement procedures, and develop methods to measure effectiveness of results obtained.
- Ability to prepare invitations for bids, requests for proposals, purchase order terms and conditions, and management reports.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, suppliers and the public.
- Ability to make independent judgments and to perform work with little supervision and be able to work as part of a team.
To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required 180 days of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation