New

Purchasing: Contracts Specialist

University of New Mexico
Monthly: $3,844.53 - $5,399.33 DOE
life insurance, remote work

1 University Of New Mexico (Show on map)
May 08, 2026
Requisition ID req36605 Working Title Purchasing: Contracts Specialist Position Grade 12 Position Summary The University of New Mexico, Office of the University Controller, also known as Financial Services, located on Main Campus is responsible for all central accounting functions for the University. It is the responsibility of the Controller's Office aka Financial Services to ensure compliance with all financial policies, rules, and regulations adopted by the University or imposed by external agencies, including state and federal audit requirements, following generally accepted accounting practices. Additionally, the Controller's Office oversees the maintenance of the official financial records of the University. Within Financial Services is The Purchasing Department that serves as the central purchasing authority for the University of New Mexico. The UNM Purchasing Department is seeking a dynamic and motivated *Contract Specialist* to join our team. This position will work with a team of Contracts Specialists who are buyers for several specific commodities and is responsible for all aspects of the procurement cycle, from sourcing to managing of contracts, in accordance with applicable federal, state and University rules and regulations. Examples of the goods and services this team currently handles are furniture, architecture, construction, building operations materials and supplies and services, and grounds equipment and services. The UNM Purchasing department procures upwards of $150M each year. Team members collaborate with their peers in financial services and procuring departments to ensure we meet their needs. Purchasing responsibilities for the team include but are not limited to: Reviews, approves, and processes purchasing requests such as purchase requisitions and small purchase orders for goods and services Lead departments through the procurement process to administer complex, integrated, high-value contractual arrangements and procurement proposals, e.g., request for proposals (RFP), etc. Assists in bid openings for competitive solicitations such requests for quotes, bids, and proposals Administer and maintain data information related to contractual arrangements for products and/or services for the University Analyze and approve or reject internal and/or contractor requests for deviations from contract specifications and delivery schedules Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data to determine reasonableness of prices; review and interpret contract provisions to achieve cost efficiencies and reductions where feasible Monitor existing contracts/contractor performance for compliance with terms and conditions Serve as a primary point of contact with contractors, vendors and UNM departments Represent the organization and the University to various institutional constituencies, as well as externally to corporations, funding agencies, government agencies, and other colleges and universities, as appropriate Other duties as assigned This position is on-site, M-F *Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.* See the Position Description for additional information. Conditions of Employment Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. Preferred Qualifications Preferences should be reflected in the resume. Experience with New Mexico Public Works Projects Experience with State of New Mexico policies and procedures regarding Construction and Maintenance Experience and knowledge of New Mexico State Procurement Code Experience with/in procurement in a public or higher education environment Experience with electronic procurement and sourcing applications Skilled in interpersonal and customer service with a wide range of constituencies Experience in organizing and coordinating Additional Requirements Campus Main - Albuquerque, NM Department Procurement Services (944A) Employment Type Staff Staff Type Regular - Full-Time Term End Date Status Exempt Pay Monthly: $3,844.53 - $5,399.33 DOE Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information. ERB Statement As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid. Background Check Required Yes For Best Consideration Date 5/22/2026 Eligible for Remote Work No Eligible for Remote Work Statement Application Instructions Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application. Applicants must provide names and contact information for at least 3 supervisory references, on the application form, indicate whether it is okay to contact current and prior supervisors. Official transcripts and evidence of licensure (if applicable) will be required of the selected candidate. The resume should include a complete work history, replete with beginning and ending dates of employment (Month and Year) and hours worked each week. *Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular* or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.** The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.