Business Operations Specialist, Hospitality & Campus Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH

Type: Full-Time
Salary: Compensation Pay Range: $52,520.00 – $93,640.00
Posted: Today
Category: Business and Financial Services

The Business Operations Specialist provides essential operational, financial, and administrative support for the $50 million portfolio within Hospitality and Campus Services (HCS). Reporting to the Executive Director for HCS, this position manages financial reporting, purchasing, contract oversight, vendor relations, compliance processes, and asset administration across multiple units including Dining, Conferences & Catering, ID Office, Parking, Transportation, and Print & Mail Services.

The Specialist serves as a key liaison with USNH Procurement, General Accounting, the CFO Office, and third-party vendors to ensure accurate revenue distribution, contract integrity, and adherence to UNH, USNH, and state/federal policies. This role requires strong analytical ability, financial acumen, attention to detail, and the capacity to support complex operational systems that enable HCS units to meet performance, compliance, and service goals.

Duties/Responsibilities

Financial Reporting, Analysis & Budget Support (35%)

• Manage weekly and monthly financial reporting for all HCS units, including KPIs, Monthly P&L statements, weekly meal plan sales, and labor/revenue performance reporting.
• Conduct regular financial reviews with HCS unit leaders and provide financial analysis to support decision-making.
• Work closely with leadership to support the annual budget development and financial projection process for HCS.
• Assist departments in achieving budgeted performance through analysis, forecasting, and recommendations.
• Liaison with the CFO Office to support complex compliance reporting (e.g., State of NH Meals & Use, UBIT) and operational accounting needs.

Purchasing, Contract Management & Vendor Relations (40%)

• Manage and direct all purchasing activities for HCS in collaboration with USNH Procurement.
• Develop specifications, draft bid documents, and administer purchasing processes for major contracts and one-time purchases.
• Manage non-capital equipment purchasing and ensure budget adherence across units.
• Lead RFP processes for HCS, including drafting, evaluating submissions, and participating in systemwide purchasing initiatives.
• Oversee compliance with contract terms for assigned vendors, including campus vending, bookstore operations, beverage partners, Dunkin’, food carts, and others.
• Serve as intermediary between HCS staff and Procurement; negotiate pricing, rebate programs, and resolve vendor or product issues.
• Maintain all USHOP processes including blanket POs and unique purchase order needs.
• Oversee contract management for the UNH Bookstore (Barnes & Noble), including:
  • Cost-reduction and Inclusive Access strategies
  • Customer service escalations
  • Merchandise and emblematic sales performance
  • Commission and performance tracking

Revenue Distribution, Systems Administration & Compliance (15%)

• Oversee and support the 10 sub-systems that manage HCS revenue including Blackboard, Cat’s Cache, and related platforms.
• Ensure accurate revenue distribution and reconciliation for meal plans, dining dollars, and system transactions.
• Coordinate system corrections, workflow improvements, and operational support with USNH General Accounting.
• Assist with grant-related compliance and execution in partnership with STAR and unit leaders.
• Ensure processes and documentation meet UNH/USNH and federal/state compliance requirements.

Capital Projects & Departmental Support (10%)

• Participate on capital project teams supporting major repairs and renovations.
• Assist with planning, procurement, and contract processes for engaging architects, engineers, and construction teams.
• Provide progress updates to leadership and maintain project-related documentation.
• Support other duties and operational needs as assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or a related field, with three years of related experience. Additional advanced degrees or certifications may substitute year-for-year for required experience.
• Experience in financial analysis, business operations, or administrative support functions.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong financial and analytical skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and KPI analysis.
• Knowledge of purchasing processes, contract management, and vendor relations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage complex operational systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-departmental collaboration.
• Ability to interpret and apply institutional policies, procurement rules, and financial guidelines.
• Proficiency with financial systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education or public-sector financial operations.
• Familiarity with UNH/USNH systems such as USHOP, Cat’s Cache, Blackboard, and other auxiliary service platforms.
• Experience with RFP development and vendor negotiations.
• Understanding of grant compliance, auxiliary business operations, or capital project workflows.

Applicant Instructions

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the Resume/Cover Letter section of your application:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Compensation Pay Range:
$52,520.00 – $93,640.00

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

Location:
Durham

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.

Apply here