Pennington Biomedical Research Center · 1 day ago
Purchasing Manager
2221 Patrick F. Taylor Hall
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
3+ years expPennington Biomedical Research Center, part of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Purchasing Manager to oversee procurement operations for the College of Engineering. The role involves managing procurement staff, ensuring compliance, and leading cost-effective procurement strategies to support the college's operational needs.
Research
Responsibilities
Supervise procurement staff, including hiring, training, workload management, performance feedback, and professional development
Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with institutional goals and budgetary constraints
Establish, refine, and manage departmental procurement processes and best practices in accordance with LSU Procurement standards
Provide expert‑level support for complex or specialized procurement needs
Lead strategic planning to enhance efficiency, cost savings, and supplier performance
Serve as the final escalation point for departmental procurement challenges, supplier disputes, and compliance
Serve as the College Certified Purchasing Agent with full decision‑making authority for departmental procurement compliance
Manage preparation and issuance of RFPs, RFQs, and other solicitation documents
Independently evaluate bids and proposals, negotiate with supplier, and recommend award decisions
Monitor and improve purchase order workflows, ensuring timely processing and resolving exceptions
Oversee LaCarte and Foundation purchasing processes, ensuring compliance and addressing escalated issue
Develop and maintain supplier relationships to improve pricing, service, and overall value
Lead supplier onboarding and ensure compliance with LSU procurement requirements
Manage resolution of escalated disputes involving delivery, performance, invoicing, or contract terms
Ensure all procurement activity complies with university, state, and federal regulations
Lead internal reviews and coordinate with auditors; identify and implement preventative corrective actions on the front end
Work to constantly assess and improve documentation standards, ensuring procurement records are accurate, complete, and audit‑ready
Works with departmental financial leadership to develop a purchasing budget sufficient to meet the organization's needs and provides feedback on budgetary opportunities
Develop purchasing strategies that maximize cost savings and efficiency
Provide advanced procurement reporting and analysis to leadership for strategic decisions
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance or related field
3 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management
Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply - a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job posting
Cash Handling - This position has access to/directly handles cash. Financial history/credit check required per FASOP HR-04
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment
Preferred
Experience working in a university or public sector procurement environment
Familiarity with state procurement laws and regulations
Ability to analyze procurement data and produce detailed reports
Certification in procurement (e.g., CPSM, CPPB) or related professional certification
LSU Certified Purchasing Agent Delegation
Benefits
Health, life, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Retirement options
Various leave options
Paid holidays
Wellness benefits
Tuition exemption for qualified positions
Training and development opportunities
Employee discounts
Company
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a campus of Louisiana State University, is a world-renowned leader at the forefront of medical discoveries as it relates to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
2023-07-07
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