APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Penn State Office of Central Procurement team is searching for Procurement Associates. Central Procurement has a vision to develop and execute sound business and cost-effective Purchasing solutions to enable the teaching, research, and service mission of the University. 

Procurement Associates review, prepare, verify and approve shopping carts within established dollar limits and guidelines in the University system in order to process purchase orders to various suppliers for departments; verify fair and reasonable pricing and documenting purchase order files in accordance with University policies and procedures; correspond with suppliers and customers to solve problems, share information, and ensure accurate payment.  

The successful candidate will:

• Prepare, edit, and process purchase orders within establish dollar limits and University policy

• Contact vendors and suppliers for quotations, and follow up on outstanding purchase orders

• Ensure all transactions meet government regulations and University policies and procedures

• Assist Procurement Managers and Agents with vendor research and negotiations; obtain information on price, delivery, payment, specifications, and purchase order terms

• Use a variety of electronic systems and databases to import and create documents, track vendor information and payments, create auctions, compose correspondence, create and process purchase orders, requests for proposal, and various financial transactions

• Identify and resolve discrepancies; obtain vendor certifications and certificates of liability insurance when required

• Assist in monitoring internal and external customer satisfaction

• May perform general office duties such as mail distribution, answering phones and greeting visitors

• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Typically requires 2-3 days in office per week. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

The successful candidate must possess:

• Excellent customer service skills

• Ability to