Acquisitions Materials Buyer

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Acquisitions Materials Buyer has a primary focus on procuring resources for the Libraries’ collection. Under the supervision of the Acquisitions Librarian, the Buyer performs purchasing functions, including research, analysis and sourcing of library resources; coordinates and troubleshoots batch record load ingests and outputs as they relate to ordering and invoicing; serves as a liaison to collection managers and vendors for orders handled; assists with funds management; and tracks the status of licenses in collaboration with the Electronic Resources Management Team. The position serves as a purchasing card (P-Card) coordinator and fulfills record-keeping requirements for associated purchases. The Buyer is a key player in developing an iterative strategy to assess workflows to stay current with the University, state, and federal regulations, and devise best practices to keep abreast of the evolving financial and legal policies as they pertain to acquiring library resources. In this role, the Buyer may advise colleagues and student employees on policy interpretation and provide assistance with procuring resources in a timely manner. The position primarily works independently and may assists in training other team members and student employees, and supports other operational needs of the unit. University Libraries’ faculty and staff embrace Ohio State’s Shared Values and strive to enact the behaviors guided by those values in all that we do. This position is dedicated to advancing the culture of University Libraries and the work of the Acquisitions and Electronic Resources Department. All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Four (4) years of finance (e.g., purchasing, accounts payable), supply chain/logistics, and/or inventory experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs or equivalents.
• Experience with inventory, task, and/or procurement systems.
• Experience serving the public.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred Bachelor's or Associates’ degree in accounting, business administration, finance, a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in acquiring resources.
• Knowledge of or experience using financial systems such as Peoplesoft or Workday.
• Experience working with vendors to place orders, troubleshoot, and solve problems related to orders and/or invoices.
• Experience with an integrated library system (OSU currently uses Alma).
• Reading knowledge of one or more languages other than English.
• Possess a high degree of technical knowledge.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively to complete tasks.
• Strong prioritizing, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical and independent decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to learn complex procedures with great attention to detail.
• Ability to balance multiple workflows in a high production environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to ongoing change.

Responsibilities

• Performs purchasing functions, including research, analysis and sourcing of library resources.
• Coordinates and troubleshoots batch record loading ingests and outputs as they relate to ordering and invoicing.
• Serves as a liaison to collection managers and vendors for orders handled.
• Assists with funds management.
• Tracks the status of licenses in collaboration with the Electronic Resources Management Team.
• Serves as a purchasing card (P-Card) coordinator and fulfills record-keeping requirements for associated purchases.
• Develops an iterative strategy to assess workflows to stay current with University, state, and federal regulations.
• Devises best practices to keep abreast of the evolving financial and legal policies as they pertain to acquiring library resources.
• Advises colleagues and student employees on policy interpretation.
• Provides assistance with procuring resources in a timely manner.
• Works independently.
• Assists in training other team members and student employees.
• Supports other operational needs of the unit.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED