Job Details

Operations and Inventory Specialist - #223364

Position Number: 9926328
Location: Cullowhee, United States
Position Type: Other Administrative Positions

Operations and Inventory Specialist - #223364

Western Carolina University

Department: Academic Engagement

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
* 2025 -- Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
* 2024 -- Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
* 2023 -- Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
* 2022 -- Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans -- eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences -- many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Operations and Inventory Specialist is a member of the Instructional Technology and Audiovisual (ITAV) team and is responsible for coordinating the inventory and workflow of equipment supporting ITAV projects and campus technology refresh initiatives. The position manages equipment-related activities, including obtaining quotes, coordinating purchases, tracking orders, maintaining vendor relationships, receiving and tracking inventory, and communicating with campus customers.

This position applies technical and business knowledge to support the development and implementation of sustainable audiovisual solutions across campus. The position communicates and coordinates with the Division of IT and campus departments to maintain standardized workflows and help ensure projects and operational tasks are completed consistently. The role requires working knowledge of State of North Carolina purchasing policies and procedures and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with WCU Facilities Management, vendors, and other university partners.

The position uses university procurement and asset management systems, along with ITAV tools, to purchase, receive, track, and manage equipment. In collaboration with the ITAV Manager, the position supports large-scale initiative planning, financial forecasting, vendor coordination, and equipment lifecycle replacement. The position also coordinates the physical movement of equipment among campus locations for receiving, installation, storage, and surplus activities.

The position contributes to strategic planning for campus investment in audiovisual systems and administers asset management processes for AV inventory and related equipment entering, moving within, and leaving the university. This work is performed in coordination with the IT Asset Manager and other WCU departments.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated commitment to responsive and professional customer service.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives, priorities, and deadlines.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Working knowledge of IT asset management, inventory control, or related operational practices.
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Proficiency with collaborative productivity tools, such as Microsoft Office, video conferencing platforms, and project or task management applications.
Ability to interpret and apply procurement requirements, established procedures, and operational standards.
Ability to safely coordinate and perform the physical movement of equipment required for receiving, installation, storage, and surplus activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
Minimum Qualifications:

Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
Bachelor's degree and at least two years of experience in technology asset management, inventory control, procurement, logistics, business operations, or administrative support within an information technology environment; or a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Information Systems, Computer Information Technology, or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution and at least two years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Catamart (JAGGAER) and WCU purchasing processes.
Experience with WCU asset management processes.
Experience supporting classroom technology or audiovisual and information technology systems.
Knowledge of construction and construction management principles.
Experience installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting audiovisual technology in classrooms, teaching laboratories, conference rooms, and student collaboration spaces.
Knowledge of networking principles and their application to audiovisual system configuration.
Experience with project management methods, tools, or processes.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

In order to complete the application, applicants must include:
* a cover letter addressing qualifications as related to the job requirements
* a current resume
* a list of three recent (within past five years) professional references which include name, title, email, and relationship

For questions or additional information please contact johnnickel@wcu.edu.

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35789