Buyer

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

26d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation. This Buyer position is responsible for processing the procurement of all commodities and services. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Requirements

Associates degree in Business or Finance from an accredited university or in place of a degree, four (4) years of relevant experience.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in procurement, bookkeeping, basic accounting, billing, asset accounting, travel, or related experience.
Knowledge of purchasing principles, procedures, and methods.
Knowledge of state and university purchasing laws and regulations.
Ability to research and draft clear, concise, and competitive purchasing specifications and evaluate product acceptability and/or quality.
Ability to perform basic mathematical computations.
Ability to maintain accurate and systematic procurement records.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with purchasing agents/officials, vendors, and manufacturers.
Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

Process orders in an automated procurement system; manages the placement of purchase orders with vendors, including quote and /or contact documentation.
Review purchase requests to determine the need for term contracts; develop new contracts and /or prepare history sheet and product specifications; determine the appropriate list of bidders for products; and notify potential bidders.
Interview and work closely with vendors to obtain and develop desired products.
Prepare specifications for competitive bids and competitive sealed bids; manages bid openings, evaluation criteria, and vendor list; receives and evaluates bids to determine lowest bid and delivery requirements within cost limit; and awards bids.
Examine, select, order, and purchase merchandise at most favorable price consistent with quality, quantity specification requirements, and other factors.
Expedite and review purchase order invoices, return of merchandise, and shipment.
Maintain vendor ordering accounts for office supplies on the Internet and in an automated procurement system.
Maintain requisition and purchases orders in an automated procurement system for all documentation necessary for the related purchase order.