New Mexico State University invites you to apply to be a part of a diverse, dynamic and welcoming learning and working environment in Las Cruces, NM. NMSU seeks employees who are creative and flexible in developing and evaluating new ideas and ways to evolve NMSU into the future. Located in the borderlands and adjacent to the mighty Rio Grande, NMSU is a proud Hispanic-serving institution in the minority-majority state of New Mexico. Southern New Mexico features an average of 294 days of sunshine annually, making NMSU ideal for job-seekers who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and bird-watching. NMSU is committed to sustainability through improving and maintaining the quality of human life while preserving the integrity, stability, and beauty of ecological systems for the future. We are looking for student-centered employees with a passion for success. NMSU invites you to take the first step to your successful and rewarding career by applying today.

NMSU is New Mexico’s land-grant and space-grant institution, a comprehensive research institution dedicated to teaching, research, public service and outreach. In addition, the NMSU system includes a satellite learning center in Albuquerque, Cooperative Extension Service offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, and 12 agriculture research and science centers. New Mexico State University is the institution of choice for more than 15,000 students from 49 states and 89 foreign countries.

The City of Las Cruces is the second largest city in New Mexico and is located in Doña Ana County, approximately 45 miles north of El Paso, Texas, and 225 miles south of Albuquerque. Las Cruces is the economic and geographic center of the Mesilla Valley, the agricultural region on the floodplain of the Rio Grande which extends from Hatch to the west side of El Paso, Texas. The Organ Mountains, 10 miles to the east, are dominant in the city’s landscape, along with the Doña Ana Mountains, Robledo Mountains, and Picacho Peak. Las Cruces lies within a short driving distance of the Mexican border at Santa Teresa, as well as many other locations in the broader borderland region.

Geography, climate, demographics, and ambiance of Las Cruces and NMSU combine to offer a truly excellent place to thrive. Family members will discover a warm, open community that offers an attractive array of activities and outdoor recreation, amenities, services and opportunities, whether they are looking for top-notch education, meaningful employment, or simply a safe and comfortable place to live.

Responsible for the approval and control of purchasing functions within limits of delegated authority. Ensures compliance with State of New Mexico Procurement Code, the NMSU Board of Regent’s (BOR) policies, and all federal and State of New Mexico (State) law and other contract obligations. Interacts with departments and vendors in the resolution of day-to-day procurement issues. Priority functions will be assigned to provide focused support for Grants and Contracts, RFPs, Bids and expediting of procurement transactions.

Reports to centralized Administrative and Finance division, providing complex university level consultation and advisement. Provides expertise for complex or unique procurement and contracting in accordance with procurement procedures and regulations. Makes recommendations for acquisition of goods and services that are large scale, complex, and/or of a specialized nature. Provides training, guidance, and operational direction to procurement staff.

Prepares all aspects of procurement solicitations including terms and conditions, scope of work, insurance and bonding requirements, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Conducts bid process and openings, evaluates bids and proposals to determine responsive low bids and selected proposers, assures selection in accordance with established criteria, assures full competition and documentation of action, issues award letters or contracts. Negotiates with suppliers establishing price, delivery, quantity, payment, scope of work, and change requests. Drafts internal and external reports and correspondence; provides timely and accurate communication to internal and external customers and vendors; and maintains positive and ethical supplier and customer relations. Initiates appropriate action to ensure conformance with Federal and state laws, rules, regulations and requirements; attends and participates in professional training and meetings; promotes and strives for continuous improvement and participates in quality improvement projects; and provides training and mentoring to procurement colleagues at all levels within the organization.

Knowledge of current developments/trends in area of expertise. Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques. Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.

Negotiating skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new standards and procedures. Records maintenance skills. Conflict resolution and/or mediation skills. Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills. Employee development and performance management skills. Strong computer system skills.

Ability to resolve customer complaints and concerns. Ability to develop and deliver presentations. Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information. Ability to analyze and solve problems. Ability to evaluate procurement bids in accordance with established criteria. Ability to document work in progress. Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments. Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions. Ability to assess contract compliance and product/service quality. Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects. Ability to prepare formal procurement solicitations in compliance with University business policies and the New Mexico state procurement code. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Three (3) years working in a general buying environment

May fill multiple positions.

The electronic application is the official document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.