Departmental Buyer

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Support procurement activities and process purchase requests in an R&D environment. This role involves developing sources of supply, securing bids, awarding orders, and locating products/services. The buyer will provide pricing, maintain a status database, resolve difficulties, and offer guidance for the most effective purchasing methods. Responsibilities include preparing necessary documentation compliant with UT and federal regulations to effect a Purchase Order, managing ProCard files and transactions, and assisting in voucher preparation. The position also entails assisting in locating products and services for contractual requirements, providing pricing for contract cost estimates and planning, and offering advance planning and guidance concerning approvals and procedures. Ensuring the database provides accurate and current order information is crucial, as is the responsible data entry, retrieval, and use of information from the ARL:UT IRIS database and the UT DEFINE/POINT PLUS System. The role also includes providing back-up support to other purchasers, regular rotating assignments, and potentially other special projects as directed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
One year demonstrated ability in purchasing, including source selection, taking bids and awarding orders or making award recommendations.
One year of proven customer service experience successfully engaging with a wide range of personalities, adapting communication style seamlessly from one customer to the next in person and by phone.
Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member and effectively communicate with many groups of clients.
Able to work under pressure and accept supervision.
Regular and punctual attendance.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
Ability to work efficiently and flexibly in a fast paced environment.
Outstanding organizational and time-management skills.
Recent strong computer skills in MS Office, Excel, Adobe Acrobat and use of internet for purchasing and related functions.
Must have or be able to obtain a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certificate within twelve (12) months of employment date.
US Citizen: Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business.
More than one year as a full time purchaser.
Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) and Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).
More than one year experience with UT, State of Texas, DoD, City Government, or research and development procurement.
Knowledgeable in procurement procedures (competitive procurement, value analysis, source selection, and negotiating techniques).
Minimum 5 years experience with MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Internet.
Experience soliciting and making awards to Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) concerns; maintaining data on small and veteran-owned business concerns.
Working knowledge of Export Control regulations.

Responsibilities

Develop sources of supply, secure bids, and award orders.
Locate products/services, provide pricing, maintain status database, resolve difficulties and provide guidance for best method to effect a purchase order.
Secure bids via telephone and email, award, and make award recommendations.
Prepare necessary documentation complying with UT and federal regulations to effect a Purchase Order.
Maintain ProCard files and post information to the Procard Transaction Log.
Prepare, submit, and reconcile Procard as required by the UT Accounting Office.
Assist in locating products and services required to meet contractual requirements.
Provide pricing for contract cost estimates and planning.
Provide advance planning and guidance concerning approvals and procedures.
Ensure database provides accurate and current order information.
Responsible for data entry, retrieval, and use of information from the ARL:UT database and the UT DEFINE/POINT PLUS System.
Provide back-up support to one or more purchasers within the Purchasing Office.
Regular rotating assignments and/or other special projects at the direction of the Senior Departmental Buyer or Office Manager.
Other related functions as assigned.