The Strategic Purchasing Specialist supports the College’s Purchasing and Distribution Services by managing daily purchasing operations and contributing to institutional sourcing, cost-savings, and efficiency goals. This role ensures timely, equitable, and compliant procurement of materials, equipment, and services while promoting best-value purchasing practices. The Specialist serves as a key liaison between campus departments and suppliers, maintaining clear communication, supporting competitive sourcing, and strengthening supplier relationships.
Key responsibilities include overseeing supplier and campus communications, providing customer service and purchasing guidance, maintaining accurate purchasing and compliance records, reconciling purchasing card accounts, assisting with bid and quote processes, processing requisitions and authorizing purchase orders in line with College and State of Ohio policies. The role requires analyzing bids, recommending awards, and applying current public and higher-education purchasing standards. Assists with maintaining and updating purchasing content on websites and SharePoint.
This position works on moderately complex problems, applies established policies and procedures, and recommends improvements to enhance efficiency and service quality. Operating with general supervision, the Specialist may guide junior staff and is expected to use sound judgment, strong analytical skills, and professional expertise to support effective and transparent procurement operations.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate degree
• A minimum of 2-3 years of related experience. May possess some additional job-specific training.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of 4-7 years of related experience. May possess appropriate licensures or certifications with some advanced training.

Starting from $46,400 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and established pay practices.

Includes a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage; participation in state pension programs or alternative retirement plans; tuition assistance; generous paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays); and access to onsite childcare, free parking and fitness facilities.

The complete application file should include cover letter, resume, unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate), and 3 professional references which can be uploaded to the online application. Candidate selected will be subject to appropriate background checks before hire.

About LCCC:

Established in 1963, Lorain County Community College is the first community college in Ohio with a permanent campus. For six decades, LCCC has served the diverse needs of greater Lorain County region by providing affordable access to higher education and now serves approximately 13,000 students each year in certificate, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Since 1963, one in four Lorain County residents have taken classes at LCCC and more than 43,000 have earned a degree. LCCC was recently ranked in the top 10% of most affordable colleges in the nation and more than 90% of LCCC graduates live and work in Northeast Ohio. 45% of Lorain County’s high school graduates earn college credits through LCCC’s high school dual enrollment programs. LCCC also partners with more than 700 employers and offers 170 industry-recognized credentials to better prepare the workforce for the future.

LCCC is a dynamic, student-centered college intentionally designed to support individuals with balancing multiple roles on their path to college completion. 85% of LCCC students work while attending college, with majority working at least half-time. The average age of LCCC’s students is 24, and many bring life experiences that include caring for dependents, serving in the military, or completing some prior college. Over 80% of LCCC students received financial assistance through grants and scholarships, and LCCC has been nationally recognized for holistic, fully integrated services and commitment to student success.

Lorain County Community College seeks to hire and employ locally whenever possible. Employees should reside in Ohio, where they can be responsive to on-campus work requirements, and within a reasonable commuting distance of their work location.