Job TitleCategory SpecialistRequisition NumberRE50152Working TitleDepartment Name3DP00:PurchasingWork LocationLexington, KYGrade Level46Salary Range$52,021-85,800/yearType of PositionStaffPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired Education
BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies:https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalenciesRequired Related Experience
5 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Sitting at desk for extended periods of time.
Shift
8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday are standard hours. Work beyond standard hours are required for an exempt position.
Job Summary
The Category Specialist is responsible for developing, executing, and sustaining their assigned categories of related purchased goods and/or services along with other duties as assigned. Responsibilities include independently managing:
- Multiple related spend categories
- Supplier performance management
- Customer relationship development
- Determination of customer needs
- Demand management
- Forecasting for goods and services
The person holding this position will have a varied background and demonstrate proficiency in coordinating the sourcing, bidding, procurement, and implementation of a diverse variety of goods, services, equipment, and services.
This position would also:
- Monitor contract compliance for the University and manage the development and implementation of negotiation strategies
- Create and review supplier contracts to ensure appropriate business terms are addressed
- Facilitate legal and risk management review to ensure standard terms and conditions are inserted where appropriate
- Lead sourcing events, including develop and manage IFB/RFP process through award and/or lead supplier negotiations
The Category Specialist is responsible for managing competitive solicitations, contract creation, contract execution, and renewals.
Fostering campus collaboration and providing customer service are key components of this position. The individual will also:
- Prepare business cases by conducting detailed and comprehensive data and spend analysis, identifying and quantifying potential savings opportunities, utilizing sourcing best practices, and participate in execution planning
- Track trends in the marketplace and actively monitor price indices applicable to category areas
- Identify new sources of supply and engage with new suppliers
- Work collaboratively with suppliers, and customer stakeholders to identify and execute continuous cost and performance improvement
- Other duties as assigned
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills required. High proficiency with Microsoft Office software required such as PowerPoint, Excel, Word, etc…
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? NoPreferred Education/ExperienceDeadline to Apply05/14/2025Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
