Buyer 1 or 2

Louisiana State University

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is for a Buyer 1 or Buyer 2 role. The Buyer 1 is responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies from suppliers, evaluating supplier quotes and services, and issuing bids and awarding contracts within assigned dollar limitations. This role requires reliance on instructions and pre-established guidelines and works under immediate supervision. The Buyer 2 plans, coordinates, and performs procurement of services, supplies, materials, parts, and equipment for the University and/or other system campuses, evaluating supplier quotes and resolving supplier issues. This role involves more complex bidding responsibilities, such as RFPs and complex ITBs, and conducts purchasing projects for specialized commodity areas. Both positions may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and remote work within the State of Louisiana.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 0-2 years of experience in Purchasing, Business or related field (for Buyer 1).
Bachelor's degree with 3 or more years of experience in Purchasing, Business or related field (for Buyer 2).
Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.
Competency in PC based office software.
Excellent communication & organizational skills.
Physical ability & eye-hand coordination necessary to use a computer terminal, calculator, copier, telephone & other office equipment.
Ability to sit in the same position for extended periods (3.5 to 4 hours) at a time using continuous hand motions when entering data into the computer system.
Valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in supply chain management with at least 1 year of experience (for Buyer 1).
Master's degree with at least 1 year of experience (for Buyer 2).
Specific Purchasing experience in college/ university or state government setting.
Working knowledge of state statutes and State Purchasing rules & regulations.

Responsibilities

Prepares & awards bids & non-competitive purchase orders for a variety of goods & services needed/used by LSU, as well as maintenance contracts & repairs on same.
Determines appropriate course of action/procurement methodology including, but not limited to, competitive bids, sole source acquisitions, RFPs, direct negotiations, etc.
Reviews and prioritizes dept requisitions/requests in accordance with approved guidelines; initiates change-orders; identifies proper commodity code(s) for requisitioned items.
Troubleshoots order issues with suppliers.
Reviews & negotiates agreements & contracts and prepares for Asst, Assoc. or AVP's signature.
Monitors contracts for compliance with Federal, State & University rules & regulations & guidelines.
Performs an audit function to insure compliance with purchasing rules & regulations by user departments.
Maintains records, prepares reports and/or correspondence related to contracts.
Provides close regulatory supervision over departments by providing direction, training & guidance to department personnel in problem resolution concerning contracts or projects & explanation of current procurement laws, policies & procedures.
Participates in pre-bid conferences with the user departments & supplier community.
Participates in planning, organizing & conducting workshops & seminars to inform University personnel of the proper procedures for contracts.
Assists Assistant/Associate Directors and/or AVP of Procurement & Property Management on specific projects and other contracts as directed.
Researches for new sources of supply; locates and contacts suppliers; communicates with suppliers to stay current with industry developments.
Reviews, examines and determines need for (and adequacy of) requisitioned items and approves requests and/or makes appropriate recommendation to purchase.
Performs both mathematical and subjective analysis and decision-making through the presence of journeyman level procurement duties.
Provides oral and written interpretation of laws, rules, regulations, policies, standards and procedures to agency personnel and suppliers.
Participates in the development of procurement policies and procedures.