Marine Procurement Administrator
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Description
Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Marine Procurement Administrator serves as the primary procurement specialist supporting ship operations at the Nimitz Marine Facility. This role is critical to ensuring vessels are equipped with the goods, services, and provisions needed to safely and successfully carry out scientific missions around the world. This position combines procurement expertise with financial analysis and operational coordination. The ideal candidate is resourceful, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where timing and accuracy are essential. Especially when procurement challenges could impact safety or mission success. About SOMTS Ship Operations and Marine Technical Support (SOMTS) is a unique and dynamic department that operates the Institution’s three major seagoing research vessels and supports a wide range of oceanographic research activities. Our team of professional mariners, technical staff, and engineers conduct physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies across the globe. We are part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet and the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS). Our vessels operate from our home port at the Nimitz Marine Facility (MarFac) in San Diego. The department is responsible for vessel maintenance and safe operations, as well as administration of MarFac and the Deep-Sea Drilling West facility on the Scripps La Jolla campus. Key Responsibilities Procurement & Vendor Management (Primary Focus) ~Manage end-to-end purchasing of materials, equipment, and services in support of marineoperations ~Determine appropriate procurement methods (purchase orders, contracts, P-Card, blanketorders, etc.) ~Prepare and issue Requests for Quotations (RFQs), including specifications and terms ~Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with domestic and international vendors ~Negotiate pricing, terms, and resolve vendor performance issues ~Coordinate procurement of supplies and services for vessels in ports worldwide ~Track long-lead, high-value, and time-sensitive purchases to ensure operational readiness ~Ensure compliance with University procurement policies and ethical business practices ~Maintain procurement records, databases, and tracking systems Financial Analysis & Reporting ~Develop and maintain financial and statistical reports to track spending and trends ~Analyze expenditures and identify irregularities or cost-saving opportunities ~Support budget forecasting and funding proposals with data-driven insights ~Monitor encumbrances and ensure accurate accounting entries ~Partner with fund managers and leadership on financial planning and issue resolutionSystems, Training & Process Improvement ~Lead use and optimization of marine procurement/maintenance systems ~Train staff and vendors on procurement processes and policies ~Recommend and implement process improvements for efficiency and cost-effectiveness ~Stay current on University policies and communicate updates to stakeholdersGeneral Administration & Special Projects ~Maintain and audit equipment inventory, including tagging and tracking ~Coordinate required physical inventories and compliance activities ~Monitor and renew service agreements and maintenance contracts ~Provide backup support to the Business Office and assist with special projects NOTE: Salary placement is determined by the top candidate’s overall qualifications/relevant experience, market data and internal equity.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience Experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain operations Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines Strong communication skills with the ability to work across diverse teams and vendors Proficiency in financial systems, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools Commitment to high-level customer service
Job Location
Point Loma