Strategic Sourcing Purchasing Agent

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Bidding, Business Administration, Communication Skills, Contract Management, Detail Oriented, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Establish Priorities, Federal Laws and Regulations, Financial Operations, Healthcare, Higher Education, Hospital, Medical Equipment, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Modality, Multitasking, Negotiation Skills, Oracle Purchasing, Peoplesoft, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Pricing, Purchase Orders, Purchasing/Procurement, Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposals (RFP), Requirements Management, Sourcing Strategy, Staff Policies, State Laws and Regulations, Strategic Planning, Travel Policy, University/School Policies, Work From Home
LOCATION
Iowa City, IA
POSTED
4 days ago

Step into a dynamic role with our Purchasing team! As a Strategic Sourcing Purchasing Agent, you'll be at the heart of contract management-overseeing purchase agreements and ensuring they're in line with all terms. You'll handle competitive bids and lead the charge in issuing Request for Quotes, Proposals, and Qualifications. Compliance is key, so you'll make sure everything aligns with Federal and State laws, Regents and University guidelines, as well as our Strategic Plan and department goals. Plus, you'll get to collaborate with the University of Iowa Health Care team, tackling advanced contracts and sourcing solutions for medical equipment and services. If you're looking to challenge yourself, work with passionate colleagues, and make a real difference in both campus operations and healthcare projects, this is the perfect opportunity! This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

Duties to Include:

  • Manage competitive bids, requisitions and purchase orders for approved suppliers per assigned commodities.

  • Negotiate improved pricing, terms and conditions.

  • Develop written technical bid specifications for routine competitive Requests for Quotations, Requests for Information, Requests for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications for routine acquisitions or routine campus-wide needs.

  • Analyze industry and benchmarking data to increase cost savings opportunities

Location: PCO and University of Iowa Hospital

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Pay: $46,943 to commensurate

For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

Required Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Experience (typically a minimum of 1 year) managing key responsibilities, accountabilities, and organization of the procurement functions.

  • Demonstrated ability to maintain positive and productive business relationships.

  • Ability to work independently and appropriately engages necessary resources to accomplish tasks.

  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects or tasks with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.

  • Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from financial and numerical data.

  • Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through effective written and verbal communication behaviors.

  • Advanced skills and proficiency in Adobe, and Microsoft Office Suite; primarily Excel and Word.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience beyond 1 year and up to 3 years in procurement processes.

  • Knowledge of automated purchasing system.

  • Demonstrated skill in negotiating.

  • Knowledge of the medical and higher education industry.

  • Experience with the purchase of medical and dental equipment, supplies, and services.

  • Demonstrated ability to facilitate projects and initiatives.

  • Knowledge of University business policies and procedures.

  • Familiarity with PeopleSoft/Oracle purchasing and contract module.

Position and Application Details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents that clearly address how they meet the qualifications of this position and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

  • Writing Sample (specifications below)

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Candidates will be required to submit a professional writing sample at the time of application. A sample can include sample bid documents, formal communication with a vendor or customers. An excel test will also be required as part of the interview process.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. State agency employers in Iowa are required to use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. University of Iowa employees, including those who work remotely or out-of-state, are subject to E-Verify.

For additional questions, please contact Brooke McMurl at brooke-mcmurl@uiowa.edu or 319-467-0719.

This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

About the University of Iowa:

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information

  • Classification Title: Purchasing Agent
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus, Hybrid within Iowa

Compensation

  • Pay Level: 3B

Contact Information

  • Organization: Finance & Operations (General)
  • Contact Name: Brooke McMurl
  • Contact Email: brooke-mcmurl@uiowa.edu

About the Company

U

University of Iowa