Assistant Director of Supplier Relations and Purchasing Operations

The Assistant Director of Supplier Relations and Purchasing Operations provides leadership and operational oversight for supplier management, purchasing activities, and the university’s procurement card program. This role is responsible for ensuri...

  • 521221
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Division of Financial Services
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular)
  • Closing at: Mar 18 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • Hybrid eligible
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About This Role

The Assistant Director of Supplier Relations and Purchasing Operations provides leadership and operational oversight for supplier management, purchasing activities, and the university’s procurement card program. This role is responsible for ensuring compliant, efficient, and customer-focused purchasing operations while strengthening supplier relationships and supporting institutional goals. The position oversees supplier onboarding and maintenance, purchase order processes, the university procurement card program, compliance controls, and continuous improvement initiatives in alignment with university policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

About Us

The Division of Financial Services at Kansas State University supports the university’s mission of teaching, research, and service by providing strategic financial leadership, stewardship, and operational excellence. As part of Kansas State University, our team partners with campus units to deliver high-quality services in shared services financial and budgeting support, accounting, financial reporting, procurement, travel, and compliance. We are committed to integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement, leveraging data, technology, and collaborative relationships to ensure responsible resource management and an exceptional service experience for the K-State community.

Worksite Description

This position is Hybrid eligible. This position is hybrid eligible; however, the first 90 days are required to be 100% on-site. After that period, hybrid eligibility may be granted based on individual performance, with a requirement of three days on-site. All employees must reside in the United States at the time employment begins to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires a bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. A Ph.D. or master's degree may be required for certain positions within this title. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the critical thinking, policy development and data analysis skills required to design and implement operational strategies, evaluate program effectiveness and ensure compliance with complex regulatory frameworks. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Experience in procurement, purchasing operations, or supplier management
  • Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience
  • Strong knowledge of procurement policies, compliance, and internal controls
  • Experience overseeing or administering a procurement card or corporate card program
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills
  • Experience in higher education, public sector, or regulated environments
  • Familiarity with ERP, e-procurement, and P-Card systems

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Contact Information for three (3) professional references

Application Window

Applications close on:03/18/2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$70,835 - $92,083

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.