Category Specialist

Job Title
Category Specialist

Requisition Number
RE56445

Working Title

Department Name
3DP00:Purchasing

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
46

Salary Range
$53,061-87,526/year

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

BA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

5 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Sitting at desk for extended periods of time.

Shift

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday are standard hours
Work beyond standard hours are required for an exempt position.

Job Summary

The Category Specialist in this position will primarily be purchasing software, hardware, and electronic subscriptions as well as be responsible for developing, executing, and sustaining their assigned categories of related purchased goods and/or services.

Responsibilities include independently managing multiple related spend categories, supplier performance management, customer relationship development, determination of customer needs, demand management, and 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 and 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 skills required, Strong written and verbal communication skills. High proficiency with Microsoft Office software required such as PowerPoint, Excel, Word, etc.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
11/24/2026

Our 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.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

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.