Purchasing Specialist

Current Madison College employees must apply to the internal career site by logging into Workday

Job Posting Date:

September 19, 2025

Application Deadline:

Salary Information:

$67,529 - $78,886

For current employees, pay may not be restricted to the posted range and will be set in accordance with the Madison College Compensation Manual guidelines for internal salary placement.

Department:

Procurement

Job Description:

Madison College is excited to announce the position of Purchasing Specialist. This position plays a key role in advancing the college’s procurement strategy by guiding departments through purchasing processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering strong vendor relationships. Through expertise in procurement systems, contract evaluation, and competitive bidding, the role helps drive efficient, transparent, and cost-effective practices that support the institution’s mission and operational needs.

This position reports to the Purchasing Manager.

Madison College believes every team member brings unique perspectives and experiences that enhance our ability to understand and engage with the world, tackle challenges, and develop innovative solutions. Come be part of our great team!

Application Instructions: upload a cover letter and resume by the first review date of October 7, 2025, at 11:59pm. After this date, the recruitment may close without further notice. Anticipated first round virtual interviews October 21 and 22, with second round, in person interviews, October 29 and 30.

Position Details: This full-time, salaried position offers exceptional benefits including the Wisconsin Retirement System, and is located in the vibrant and diverse city of Madison, Wisconsin’s second largest city and state capital. Madison is consistently ranked as a top community in which to work, live and play and is located 125 miles northwest of Chicago and 77 miles west of Milwaukee. To learn more about what Madison has to offer, you can visit www.visitmadison.com.

This position works three days in office at our Truax campus and two days virtually. Hybrid work subject to change per college policy.  General office hours are M-F, 8:00am – 4:30 pm, with some flexibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintains a high standard of professional, clear, and courteous communication with internal (including college leadership) and external stakeholders across all platforms, including email, phone, video conferencing, and written correspondence. Ensures all interactions reflect the organization’s values and brand voice, fostering trust, clarity, and collaboration. 

• Acts as a procurement consultant to departments and college leadership team on purchasing procedures, interpreting policies and resolving procurement-related negotiations and contracting challenges to support strategic procurement outcomes with minimal oversight.

• Serves as a subject matter expert on regulatory and policy compliance by interpreting State of Wisconsin, WTCS and District procurement laws to purchasing activities proactively identifying and mitigating compliance risks.

• Drives strategic institutional resource allocation by conducting analysis of procurement data and intergovernmental contracts to identify and implement cross-departmental and districtwide cost-saving opportunities.

• Builds institutional procurement capacity by designing and delivering training on purchasing policies, procedures and system usage to equip staff with the skills to navigate procurement effectively.

• Manages competitive bidding and proposal processes ensuring transparent, compliant vendor selection.

• Fosters an inclusive, equitable and supportive procurement environment where all individuals at the institution feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute to institutional success.

• Champions alignment with college policies, directives, and strategic objectives while maintaining a commitment to the college’s mission, vision and values.

• Performs other advanced procurement duties within the scope of the position as required for the efficient operation of the division and to support institutional improvement.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with purchasing practices and regulations. Knowledge of public sector highly preffered.

• Knowledge of enterprise resource planning programs and other relevant procurement technology solutions.

• Skill in effectively training and advising staff on procurement procedures.

• Ability to manage multiple processes, meet deadlines and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to provide effective customer service and resolve concerns.

• Ability to apply procurement policies and procedures.

• Skill in engaging positively with all populations and communities, contributing to a safe and inclusive learning and work environment.

• Skill in effectively and respectfully communicating with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate’s Degree may be considered with equivalent relevant additional work experience.

Experience

• 2-4+ years of relevant, professional, and progressive work experience.

Madison College does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

If you are experiencing application issues, please contact us at the Talent Acquisition email [email protected] or HR hotline (608) 246-6900.

To ensure that emails from us regarding your application do not go to your spam folder, please add the @madisoncollege.edu domain as a safe sender in your email.

Madison Area Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in employment, admissions or its programs or activities.  Madison College offers degrees, diplomas, apprenticeships and certificates in Architecture & Engineering; Arts, Design & Humanities; Business; Construction, Manufacturing & Maintenance; Culinary, Hospitality & Fitness; Education & Social Services; Health Sciences; Information Technology; Law, Protective & Human Services; Science, Math & Natural Resources; and Transportation.  Admissions criteria vary by program and are available by calling our Enrollment Office at (608) 246-6210 or (800) 322-6282 Ext. 6210. The following person has been designated to coordinate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and to handle inquiries regarding the college’s nondiscrimination policies: Lisa Muchka, Director, Civil Rights and Compliance, 1701 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53704 (608) 246.5221