Purchasing Manager Jobs in California

Overview:

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

The Physical Sciences Purchasing Office processes requests for lab supplies, equipment and services in a cost effective and timely manner in support of the School's faculty, researchers, teaching labs/facilities and administrative units. Our team provides guidance on the purchasing process and ensures compliance with University policies and procedures.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ROLE:

Join a collaborative and innovative environment where your expertise in procurement will directly impact the success of world-class research, administrative and academic programs. You'll lead a dedicated team, drive process improvements, and shape purchasing strategies that support faculty, researchers, and staff. This position offers opportunities for professional growth, cross-campus engagement, and the chance to contribute to the advancement of science at a leading university.

Responsibilities:

The School of Physical Sciences (SoPS) at the University of California, Irvine is seeking a Purchasing Manager who oversees all purchasing operations, ensuring the acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, and services aligns with university policies, quality standards, and budgetary requirements. This role manages a team of procurement professionals, establishes efficient purchasing procedures, and serves as a strategic liaison between Physical Sciences, Central Purchasing, Accounting, and other campus units. The manager is responsible for implementing compliance programs, optimizing purchasing processes, and maintaining robust vendor relationships to support the school’s research and operational excellence.

The Purchasing Manager provides purchasing support and exceptional customer service to faculty, staff and student employees. The incumbent must have a deep understanding of UC, campus, and departmental policies, and offer effective solutions to complex purchasing issues. As the subject matter expert, the Purchasing Manager works closely with the assistant dean, departmental leaders, faculty and staff, offering expert guidance while ensuring policy compliance. The position requires a strong communicator with excellent administrative and leadership skills, capable of operating in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

• Management & Strategic Leadership: Independently manage the Physical Sciences Purchasing Office, including supervision of all purchasing staff and delegated authority for purchases up to $10,000. Independently establish and continuously improve purchasing procedures, operating guidelines, and computerized systems to enhance efficiency and compliance. Coordinate purchasing relationships between Physical Sciences, Central Purchasing, EH&S, Computing, Facilities, Receiving, and external vendors. Advise departments and update leadership on revised or new policies, procedures, and implementation requirements. Represent the School of Physical Sciences on campus committees and at meetings with Central Purchasing, Equipment Management, and Accounting. 35%

• Procurement Operations & Compliance: Oversee the purchase of a wide variety of complex office and research supplies, equipment, and services, ensuring adherence to quality, quantity, specifications, and value requirements. Analyze, organize, and prioritize large volumes of incoming requisitions, ensuring completeness and timely processing. Initiate requests for quotations, evaluate supplier responses, and negotiate terms to secure optimal pricing and delivery. Implement purchases in accordance with Small Business First, Uniform Guidance, and Software/IT policies. Maintain current and historical purchasing data, prepare reports and analyses of trends, and recommend improvements. 25%

• Purchasing Control & Vendor Management: Provide professional assistance to staff, faculty, and researchers regarding commodities and vendors. Oversee processing of equipment, service, and supply requests, including purchase orders, returned goods memos, bid quotations, and leasing agreements. Coordinate independent consultant contracts. Coordinate instrument/equipment repairs and establish blanket purchase orders, modifying as needed. Monitor invoice activity, resolve discrepancies, and ensure accurate account/fund charges. Research and evaluate vendors, monitor vendor databases, and maintain up-to-date catalogs and reference materials. 25%

• Staff Supervision & Training: Recruit, select, train, and supervise purchasing staff, ensuring high levels of service and compliance with university policies. Evaluate workload distribution, assign overflow, and reorganize the unit for increased efficiency as needs evolve. Provides direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance. Plan for new positions, approve staff participation in workshops and seminars, and ensure ongoing professional development. Coordinate with Physical Sciences Personnel Office on job descriptions, skills assessments, recruiting, and personnel policy formulation. 15%

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

- Comprehensive knowledge of university purchasing and accounting policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
- Thorough knowledge of federal and state contract and grant regulations, including Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
- Working knowledge of computerized financial and information systems, such as Kuali and UCIBUY+.
- Knowledge of scientific, technical, shipping, and warranty terminology relevant to research procurement.
- Knowledge of international shipping procedures and required documentation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse stakeholder audiences.
- Strong skills in organizing, analyzing, and reporting purchasing data and trends.
- Advanced skills in coordinating and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Proficient in negotiating terms and conditions with vendors to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Solid skills in supervising, training, and developing procurement staff.
- Ability to independently manage a purchasing office and oversee all procurement operations.
- Demonstrated ability to implement and maintain compliance programs, including Small Business First and Uniform Guidance.
- Ability to build effective relationships with internal departments, external vendors, and campus units.
- Proven ability to resolve invoice discrepancies and expedite problem resolution with suppliers and accounts payable.
- Ability to maintain a strong ethical and professional attitude in all purchasing activities.
- Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
- 7-9 years of successful purchasing and office management related experience, preferably in a higher education research institution, or any equivalent combinations of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Preferred:

- Professional purchasing certification.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: TOTAL REWARDS

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $88,000 - $106,400 (Annual).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
- Background Check and Live Scan
- Employment Misconduct
- Legal Right to work in the United States
- Vaccination Policies
- Smoking and Tobacco Policy
- Drug Free Environment
- Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements:
- California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
- E-Verify
- Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

CLOSING STATEMENT:

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.