Under general supervision, this role performs purchasing duties to support departmental operations. Primary responsibilities include reviewing requisitions for compliance with policies and procedures, issuing purchase orders, and managing competitive bidding processes for moderate to large-scale procurement of supplies and equipment in accordance with established purchasing policies.
Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person's race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection or participation criteria for Tulane's employment or educational programs or activities.
Tulane University is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing an application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources by phone at 504-865-4748 or by email at hr@tulane.edu.
Required Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent plus 2 years of purchasing or related experience required
Some college coursework preferred
Understanding of intermediate purchasing policies and principles
Proficiency with computers and online purchasing systems
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies:
Working knowledge of electronic purchasing systems
Excellent keyboarding skills with high data entry accuracy
Outstanding oral and written communication abilities, with demonstrated effectiveness in interacting with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all work activities
Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize assignments and meet established deadlines
Capability to follow detailed instructions while working independently
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Oracle Cloud Fusion platform
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint)
Familiarity with educational/research environments and related terminology
Function: Requisition Processing & Competitive Sourcing
Review, analyze, and process requisitions to generate purchase orders
Conduct competitive bidding processes for moderate to large purchases of equipment and supplies under direction of senior procurement staff
35% of job
Function: Reporting & System Maintenance
20% of job
Function: Purchasing Consulting and Cost Management
Provide departments with product specifications, pricing information, and procurement guidance to support informed purchasing decisions
Proactively identify and implement cost savings and cost avoidance opportunities for the university
Document and report achieved savings
15% of job
Function: Order Management
Track and follow up on delayed or backordered items with departments and vendors to ensure order completion
Obtain necessary approvals for change orders and communicate modifications to relevant departments
Process change orders in accordance with established procedures to facilitate timely vendor payments
15% of job
Function: Vendor Engagement
Develop and maintain relationships with current and prospective suppliers through phone contact, meetings, conferences, and industry events
Identify and cultivate new supply sources for university needs
Educate potential vendors on Tulane''s purchasing policies and procedures
10% of job
Function: Other Duties
5% of job
Total Essential Percentage Allocation for All Essential Functions
100%
Function: Requisition Processing & Competitive Sourcing
Review, analyze, and process requisitions to generate purchase orders
Conduct competitive bidding processes for moderate to large purchases of equipment and supplies under direction of senior procurement staff
35% of job
Function: Reporting & System Maintenance
20% of job
Function: Purchasing Consulting and Cost Management
Provide departments with product specifications, pricing information, and procurement guidance to support informed purchasing decisions
Proactively identify and implement cost savings and cost avoidance opportunities for the university
Document and report achieved savings
15% of job
Function: Order Management
Track and follow up on delayed or backordered items with departments and vendors to ensure order completion
Obtain necessary approvals for change orders and communicate modifications to relevant departments
Process change orders in accordance with established procedures to facilitate timely vendor payments
15% of job
Function: Vendor Engagement
Develop and maintain relationships with current and prospective suppliers through phone contact, meetings, conferences, and industry events
Identify and cultivate new supply sources for university needs
Educate potential vendors on Tulane''s purchasing policies and procedures
10% of job
Function: Other Duties
5% of job
Total Essential Percentage Allocation for All Essential Functions
100%