Purchasing Agent

Job no: 592284
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade: 12
Major Administrative Unit / College: Finance
Department: Purchasing 10074704
Salary: 63000.00 - 70000.00 Salary Commensurate
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Full Time (90-100%), Administrative Professionals- AP, Administrative/Business/Professional, Union
Position SummaryThe Purchasing Agent procures complex commodities and services, requiring extensive knowledge and expertise, with a significant impact on Michigan State University. This position directly reports to the Purchasing Department, with an office located in the facilities of its primary customer, Intercollegiate Athletics. This role procures products and services such as sports equipment, services for field renovations, athletic supplies, uniforms, audio visual equipment, security services for events, and others. The Purchasing Agent is a member of a team led by a Senior Purchasing Agent/Supervisor that reports to the Head of Procurement.

The Purchasing Agent evaluates purchase requisitions for appropriateness, content and clarity; writes and solicits proposals; formulates specifications for complex and unique items for large-scale purchases, and determines suppliers to be solicited for requests for information, proposals and quotations (RFIs, RFPs and RFQs). This position conducts public bid openings, prepares and evaluates bid analyses, and approves the selected vendor. The Purchasing Agent manages supplier relationships and monitors supplier performance for assigned commodities; negotiates prices, terms, and conditions with suppliers; and writes, approves, issues, and administers purchase orders for the University.

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing suppliers by selecting the appropriate procurement methodology (such as strategic contracts, bid solicitations, sole source) in alignment with Purchasing Department and University business policies and procedures. The Purchasing Agent assesses supplier health and outlook utilizing performance measurement tools and decision modeling practices. The Purchasing Agent partners with MSU legal and risk management offices when negotiating supplier contracts and agreements. This role is responsible for compliance management and risk mitigation measures when assessing suppliers. The above are accomplished through periodic business reviews to ensure that both technical needs and regulatory requirements are met.

Communication, collaboration, and interaction are frequent with Purchasing Department management, Intercollegiate Athletics staff, and current/potential suppliers. Through these relationships, the Purchasing Agent remains informed of Purchasing Department objectives and effectively implements service to Intercollegiate Athletics, the end user. This position actively promotes the Purchasing Department diversity/inclusion and sustainability programs. Interaction with the accounts payable/invoice audit unit occurs to consult and resolve invoice discrepancies.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business or Communications with relevant course work in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Athletic Administration or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in purchasing and economic and accounting business methods; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired QualificationsThe successful candidate will demonstrate results in procurement negotiations and contract management, along with the use of ethical and regulatory-based decision-making skills, in high-pressure situations; effective interpersonal skills to facilitate and resolve situations with differing objectives; and breadth in supply chain experience with knowledge of logistics, compliance/risk management, and import/export regulations. An advanced degree in supply chain, business, or law is desirable. Experience in purchasing athletics products and services similar to those listed in the Job Summary, and experience in athletics services or administration is a plus; experience in purchasing athletics products and services similar to those listed in the Job Summary. Competitive candidates demonstrate professional commitment through certifications such as a CPM, CPSM, CSM, or CPPO.

Required Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Bidding eligibility ends 7/16 at 11:55 PM

Advertised: Jul 10, 2019 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jul 29, 2019 Eastern Daylight Time