Purchasing Lead

The University of Southern California’s (USC) Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) is seeking a Purchasing Lead to join our Business Office team. The Purchasing lead will report to ICT’s Post Award Financial Manager and lead the procurement operations for ICT.  

The role will be based in Playa Vista, CA, and a remote or flexible hybrid work schedule is available. Candidates local to the Los Angeles area are preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise all levels of faculty and/or staff regarding purchase and supply requirements, specifications, quantity and quality of merchandise and delivery needs. Assists in obtaining proper specifications, quotations, delivery terms and costs. Explores and recommends alternatives to save money or improve delivery.
• Ensure purchases comply with internal and external requirements and regulations as well as good purchasing practice. Provides information to faculty and staff on government restrictions and regulations and university policy and procedures related to purchasing.
• Draft and maintain the ICT subcontract templates; Review subcontracts for accuracy and completeness; Submit subcontracts into the USC financial system; Work with USC’s Department of Contracts and Grants to ensure that USC and government polies are followed and that subcontracts are fully executed.
• Process services agreements for the institute (temps, individuals and companies)
• Manage ICT’s corporate card program, including all p-cards and travel cards. Instruct new employees on card application process, review applications, route applications for approvals, track all institute cards, and assist with any issues (fraud, lost/ stolen, replacements, declines, etc.)
• Supervise and provide guidance to other procurement specialists/buyers and assists them in problem resolution.
• Solicit and analyze quotations for new or nonstandard items. Recommend or approve awarding of contracts or purchase orders. Places purchase orders based on assigned authorization or signing limit.
• Research and resolve problems with vendors and university departments to facilitate the purchasing process.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• 7 or more years of financial procurement experience, preferably in a university setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or related field.
• Quantitative and qualitative analytic and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal relationship-building skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in addition to critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, handle multiple priorities, tasks, demands and time sensitive pressurized situations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel
• Experience with Workday Financial a plus

Required Documents

Please submit resume and cover letter with application

Why work at USC ICT

• A quality work-life balance
• Work with interesting people from all walks of life: technologists, social scientists, military experts, creative writers, etc.
• Opportunities for free, top-tier university education for you and your children
• Located in the heart of Playa Vista on the West Side of Los Angeles.
• Be part of both the research and development of tomorrow
• Flexible schedule
• Great benefits, including medical, continued education, and matched retirement, see https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks/

About the Institute for Creative Technologies

We are world leaders in virtual human research, computer graphics, computer training simulations, and immersive experiences for decision-making, cultural awareness, leadership and health, located in Playa Vista, CA. ICT Employees are encouraged to develop themselves both professionally and personally, through workshops, invited guest talks, movie nights, social events, various sports teams, a private gym. The atmosphere at ICT is relaxed, informal and flexible, while encouraging initiative, personal responsibility, and a high work ethic.

The annual base salary range for this position is $88,000 to $108,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 5 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Advanced knowledge of highly complex or specialized area(s) of purchasing

Salary : $88,000 - $108,000