Job Summary Table of Procurement Manager

Procurement Manager Job Description Summary

The Procurement Manager at Columbia Business School serves as the primary point person for high-volume departmental procurement activities, including systems management, contracting, CONCUR travel and expense reporting, and Accounts Payable operations, while ensuring compliance with university purchasing standards and regulations.

Procurement Manager Responsibilities

Procurement Management & Compliance

• Process high volumes of departmental purchase orders and submit purchase order requisitions for Financial Planning Office (FPO) approval and Central Procurement final approval in ARC
• Review, compile, and process hotel and event contracts with careful attention to compliance and timeliness
• Assist in drafting contract amendments using Central Procurement-approved guidelines and terms
• Provide feedback on agreements submitted to the Financial Planning Office, ensuring alignment with university competitive procurement standards
• Maintain open communication with departments to ensure service and goods procurement needs are met efficiently
• Establish productive working relationships with the University’s Directors of Accounts Payable, Procurement, and General Accounting
• Consult with relevant offices to clarify policies and procedures for School faculty and staff

Financial Reporting & Expense Management

• Review and approve P-Card, Corporate Card, and CONCUR Travel/Expense Report submissions to maintain financial integrity
• Ensure strict compliance with university policies and deadlines for all financial transactions
• Reconcile purchases on behalf of staff and faculty with meticulous attention to detail
• Provide comprehensive support for purchase requests and offer feedback regarding fund availability
• Monitor and track departmental spending patterns to identify potential cost-saving opportunities

Accounts Payable Support

• Collaborate effectively with the FPO team to ensure accurate information for all purchase order (PO)-related accounts payable transactions
• Serve as a reliable backup for processing AP invoices, travel and business expense reimbursements (TBERs), and other financial transactions
• Process check requests and wire transfers in the Accounts Payable System (ARC) as needed
• Maintain thorough documentation of all accounts payable activities for audit purposes

Vendor Management

• Initiate new vendor setups and vendor profile modifications with precision and attention to detail
• Provide timely feedback to requestors regarding status updates, best practices, and communications from Columbia Vendor Management
• Enforce University policies and procedures related to vendor management consistently
• Maintain comprehensive vendor records and documentation to ensure proper compliance

Reconciliation & Issue Resolution

• Independently identify, research, and resolve discrepancies that arise during the reconciliation process
• Interpret complex financial and system reports to troubleshoot issues effectively
• Understand interactions between different financial systems to resolve cross-platform challenges
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management with professionalism and attention to detail

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary range: $65,800 – $72,000
• Working at a prestigious Ivy League institution with a global reputation
• Opportunity to contribute to the mission of one of the world’s leading business schools
• Professional development and growth opportunities in procurement and financial management
• Location at the innovative Manhattanville campus in New York City

Company Overview

For over a century, Columbia Business School has helped develop leaders and builders of enterprises who drive value for their stakeholders and society at large through MBA, MS, PhD, and Executive Education programs. Committed to cultivating new scholars and teachers while creating and disseminating pathbreaking knowledge, the school advances the understanding and practice of management through faculty research and PhD programs.

Columbia Business School Culture

Columbia Business School’s vision is to develop ideas and leaders that transform the world from the very center of business. The school features an ever-evolving curriculum with pioneering courses, STEM certification, and immersive experiential learning that prepares students to excel in key areas such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship and innovation, twenty-first century finance, the intersection of business and society, and climate and sustainability.

Career Growth Opportunities

Working within the CBS administration provides valuable experience in strategic and operational guidance and support, optimizing School resources through well-designed, transparent processes within a culture of respect for all. This position offers pathways to advance in procurement, financial management, or administrative leadership.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents and promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment that celebrates differences and encourages collaborative innovation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran. The institution is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive.

Remote Work Policy

This position is based on-site at the Manhattanville campus in New York City. The position requires physical presence to effectively manage procurement operations and maintain relationships with various stakeholders.

Application Process

1. Submit your application through the Columbia University Opportunities portal
2. Complete the required applicant information fields
3. Upload relevant documents as requested in the application
4. Monitor your application status through the portal

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through the Columbia University Opportunities portal. Applications submitted through other channels may not be considered.

Minimum Qualifications for Procurement Manager

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent related experience
• Minimum 2-4 years of relevant procurement or financial management experience
• Proven experience in processing large batches of vouchers
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting and financial practices (GAAP)
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office applications
• Familiarity with Enterprise Financial Systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated capacity to make decisions under pressure while exercising tact and diplomacy

This Procurement Manager position (ID: 547094) offers a Grade 11 classification with a regular, full-time schedule of 35 hours per week. The salary of the selected finalist will be determined based on various factors including departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.

Explore Blog Articles:

1. UK Skilled Worker Visa – Complete Guide
2. Sweden Job Seeker Visa – How to Apply
3. Portugal’s Job Seeker Visa – What You Need to Know
4. Germany EU Blue Card – Benefits and Requirements