Purchasing Specialist

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title Purchasing Specialist Job Description

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for managing and executing the procurement of goods and services in compliance with guidelines established by the NC Division of Purchase and Contract, the North Carolina Community College System Office, and the State Information Technology Services Division. This role ensures adherence to applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and procedures governing procurement activities.

The Purchasing Specialist collaborates with faculty, staff, and vendors to resolve shipping and billing discrepancies and supports the verification and processing of vendor payments. This position reports to the Director of Financial Services.

Full Time or Part Time Full Time Essential Duties Summary

• Responsible for ordering supplies, materials, and equipment to meet the needs of the college in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintain relationships with vendors and sales representatives.
• Computer data entry for purchase orders, reports, and correspondence with vendors.
• Update and maintain the colleges purchasing procedures manual.
• Respond to purchasing questions from staff/faculty as needed.
• Assign/approve local purchase orders and maintain required logs.
• Prepare/approve requisitions for input, ensuring the correct departmental budget line is included, and all WCC purchasing procedures are followed.
• Prepare invoices for processing and payment, ensuring they match the items received and that the totals are correct.
• Check monthly statements from vendors to ensure that all invoices have been processed and accounts are up to date.
• Coordinate with staff/faculty/vendors regarding errors in shipping/billing, and confirm payment of vendor invoices.
• Prepare e-quotes via e-procurement and process purchase orders for awarded vendors.
• Ensure that purchase orders are completed and closed by the fiscal year-end deadline.
• Add major equipment to the inventory and assist with completing the monthly equipment report.
• Complete quarterly Historically Underutilized Business report.
• Track expenditures for special projects as purchases/payments are made.
• Provide training, as necessary, for staff/faculty in purchasing processes and regulations.
• Initiate open market bids through the State Purchase and Contract System for purchases exceeding the colleges delegation amount.
• Other related duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Associates Degree
• Prior experience in office/business settings.
• Must complete the North Carolina Certified Manager (NCCM) training through the NC Department of Administrations Division of Purchase & Contract (P&C) within the first year of employment.

The successful candidate must be a self-motivated, energetic professional with strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with others. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple interruptions while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications Physical Demands

Work is primarily performed under general supervision in an office setting with appropriate climate controls. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. This position regularly requires long hours during peak times and minimal weekend work. Travel as appropriate to achieve community college objectives, attend meetings/conferences, and implement strategic initiatives.

Essential functions of this position require lifting, manual dexterity, ability to communicate.

Medium work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 5 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body; involves sitting only occasionally, walking and standing are required regularly, incumbents may be required to kneel, crouch/squat, crawl, climb, stoop, turn/twist, balance, reach, or handle.

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Regularly work on repetitive tasks.
• Occasionally lift 5-10 pounds.
• Ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand as necessary.

Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills are important.

Salary Grade Salary Salary Range: $35,000 to $45,000 based on education and experience

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number 10521P Open Date 05/12/2026 Close Date 05/27/2026 Open Until Filled No Desired Start Date Review Start Date 06/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must complete the Wilkes Community College online application process which includes a cover letter, a resume, four professional references, and unofficial college transcripts (if hired, official college transcripts will be required). Applicant must be able to successfully pass a background check.

Note: It is important that you check the email that you listed on your applications. Updates for this position will be sent through email.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have at least an associate's degree?

• Yes

• No

• • How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

• Wilkes Community College Website

• North Carolina Community College Website

• College Employee

• Local Newspaper

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

• Other

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Unofficial Transcripts - Associates

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation #1
• Letter of Recommendation #2
• Letter of Recommendation #3
• Unofficial Transcripts - Bachelors