Senior Purchasing Agent

General Summary

Responsible for all related procurement activities within assigned commodity categories. These responsibilities include engaging with department(s) to execute strategic sourcing events, develop strategic vendor relationships and negotiate vendor agreements.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform current market analysis and internal specifications development with university departments to compile all data elements for the creation of Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ) and/or Request for Information (RFI).
• Formulate specifications document for complex or unique goods and services. Review and analyze responses to make award recommendations to the department.
• Negotiating contracts with vendors and maintaining records to audit contract compliance.
• Ensure all purchasing activities adhere to established University's Procurement policy and procedures guidelines.
• Previous background in the use of e-Procurement and Purchasing Card platforms.
• Review all viable purchasing options with university departments for the acquisition of materials, equipment, supplies and services.
• Determine whether to process for public bids or the use of existing or consortium contracts/agreements.
• Serve as liaison to all University departments, administrators and outside agencies with authority to make commitments based on EMU's purchasing policy and procedures.
• Coordinate, monitor and maintain web-based purchasing programs with strategic suppliers.
• Familiar with Federal, State and Local rules and regulations for assigned area, if applicable, for DEA compliance, hazardous materials purchases.
• Determine strategic suppliers for selected commodities and maintain existing relationships with vendors to ensure the availability of competitive priced goods and services.
• Mediate vendor/consumer conflicts and provide resolution.
• Perform general accounting functions, including, but not limited to, purchase order review, account expenditures, and change orders.
• Contribute to the development of goals and objectives for Purchasing.
• Conduct or participate in workshops, committees and professional conferences designed for the area of assignment.
• Complete other assigned duties as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

Completion of a Bachelor's degree with three to five years of purchasing experience or 8 years of direct experience in purchasing is required.

At least three (3) years progressively more responsible strategic sourcing experience is required.

This position requires specific knowledge and experience within the area assigned.

Experience in negotiating contracts with vendors and maintaining records to audit contract compliance is required.

Emphasis on project management skills with a high degree of business ethics.

Knowledge and experience working with Banner or other related ERP software (SAP, Oracle) with procurement applications is required.

Ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external clients, displaying a high level of customer service is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

N/A

Special Instructions:

N/A