Contract & Purchasing Specialist

Job Title: Contract & Purchasing Specialist

Department: Legal

Reports To: Attorney

Compensation Range: $90,000 - $100,000

Classification: Non-classified 

Summary: 

The Contract & Purchasing Specialist supports the school’s operational and financial integrity by managing the full lifecycle of purchasing and vendor relationships. This role partners closely with departments to understand needs, evaluates and negotiates vendor proposals and contracts, and ensures all procurement activity aligns with policy, budget, and compliance standards. The position conducts data-driven reviews, oversees contract and vendor performance, provides training on procurement procedures, and performs targeted audits to safeguard responsible spending and promote efficiency across the organization. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Meet with supervisors and department heads to understand the needs across the company,
• Review requests for proposals (RFPs) and vendor bids for Policy compliance, 
• Review and negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers,
• Train new employees across departments on procurement and contracting procedures. 
• Research suppliers and vendors that meet the goals of the company,
• Find suppliers that have certain certifications, accreditation, and insurance, along with a steady stream of materials that fit within budget restraints,
• Vet vendors for past solvency issues, and history of legal problems, 
• Manage contracts and track licenses and available resources based on use case,
• Ensure vendors continue to meet school needs,
• Collect and analyze data to ensure the company is making the best decision including thorough records of all vendor negotiations, alternative bid reviews, and workflow in order to ensure continuity and compliance, and 
• Review Epic Charter School Contracting and Purchasing Policy and Guidelines to ensure compliance, identify failure points, and suggest improvements for fiscal responsibility and time/labor efficiency. 
• Conduct spot audits of Learning Fund purchases to ensure vendor compliance and responsible purchasing, 
• Conduct spot audits of travel reimbursement and other reimbursable expenditures to ensure compliance with company Policies. 

Education and/or Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field preferred; equivalent experience in procurement and contract management may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience as a buyer, contract manager or procurement specialist, preferably but not necessarily with a government procurement background, procurement experience from an Oklahoma college or University would be ideal.
• Procurement certification is a plus.

Qualifications  

• Strong research skills with the ability to gather, verify, and interpret vendor and market information
• Demonstrated analytical skills to evaluate bids, assess risks, and support data-driven decision making
• Ability to negotiate business terms and contract provisions in alignment with organizational needs and policies
• Proficiency with inventory management systems and RFP/procurement management software
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written 
• Ability to build effective relationships, work collaboratively with departments across the organization at all levels
  

Language Skills  

Ability to provide quick and concise responses to common inquiries from staff members. Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, both verbally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information to coworkers and management. 

Mathematical Skills  

Basic math skills required 

Reasoning Ability  

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  

Computer Skills  

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Google applications,  Microsoft Excel and Word. Must have a high aptitude to learn new software as necessary for  the business operations of the school. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations  

• Current driver's license and valid car insurance  

Other Qualifications  

• Must be able to pass a state-mandated background check after a conditional offer of  employment is made 
• Must have favorable employment references 

Physical Demands  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds,  frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This position works remotely from the home, but also must travel to Epic offices and public meetings as needed. The noise level is quiet to moderately loud (when students are present.) 

Epic Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For reasonable accommodations of a disability during the hiring process, please email Epic.hr@epiccharterschools.org. Someone will call you to discuss further.

Salary : $90,000 - $100,000