Senior Buyer

Department

F&A FIN - Facilities Procurement and Economic Impact

About the Department

Procurement Services strives to assimilate knowledge and experience, both within and outside of the University, on the materials or equipment to be purchased and the sources from which they may be obtained. It is our goal to conduct all activities in the best interest of the University, while simultaneously creating and maintaining quality relationships with our suppliers. Providing these services, in accordance with sound business and procurement practices, Procurement Services seeks to realize for the University, the maximum value for every dollar expended and excellence in its administrative processes.

Job Summary

This position will be responsible primarily for the procurement and contracting of construction, professional services such as architectural / engineering services, facility maintenance services and materials, and other services as assigned. Candidates for this position must be experienced working in a fast-paced environment where he/she must manage multiple complex projects concurrently and have an aptitude for communicating with diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Effectively communicates and provides specialized procurement advice, coordination, direction, and service to University departments that are involved in the planning of procurement activities.
• Performs the analysis, documentation, and recommendation of large dollar purchase requests.
• Reviews and revises simple to moderately complex contracts.
• Performs final commitment action for procurements under standard procedures of University practices including requirements and guidelines imposed by city, state, and federal regulations.
• Evaluates and processes contract requests, examining the request for clarity, appropriateness of purchase, and bid specifications. Determines client expectations, develops timelines that satisfy the purchase requirements and clarifies scope of work documents.
• Negotiates contracts including business, legal, commercial terms and conditions including construction, architecture/engineering services, MRO services and supplies, and other commodities and services as assigned.
• Advises and directs departments as appropriate to the use of University strategic and preferred supplier contracts. Advises clients in the formulation of bid specifications.
• Manages the Request for Quotations/Proposal/Information (RFQ/P/I) process when appropriate or required by procurement guidelines.
• Assists in the evaluation of supplier quotations/proposals and facilitates supplier selection.
• Works closely with the procurement supervisor and other procurement leadership to develop and implement procurement initiatives that improve procurement processes, increase contract compliance, and reduce purchase and invoice transactions.
• Analyzes commodity spend to identify industry and/or procurement trends.
• Promotes and participates in diversity supplier development initiatives related to assigned commodity and socially responsible purchasing initiatives.
• Leads procurement staff in the operations related to purchase activities.
• Assists higher level purchasing staff and mentors junior level staff with projects and initiatives.
• Collaborates with Business Diversity Manager in efforts to include M/WBE firms in University contracting opportunities.
• Develops cost containment initiatives and provides continuous maintenance of processes and systems in support of procurement needs.
• Evaluates and recommends approvals for utilization plans. Implements the evaluation process which includes a desk audit review of documentation submitted by contractors.
• Works independently with internal and external clients. Uses best practices and in-depth knowledge to review and monitors the goals and objectives of the Finance and Administration department to ensure the monthly, quarterly, and annual goals are achieved.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business, purchasing, materials management, or a related field.
• Completion of Certified Purchasing Management courses.

Experience:

• Five years of experience in direct, independent procurement and expertise in handling procurement specific