Departmental Buyer

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves processing purchase requests within a research and development environment. The Departmental Buyer will be responsible for developing sources of supply, securing bids, and awarding orders. Key duties include locating products and services, providing pricing, maintaining a status database, resolving issues, and offering guidance on the most effective methods for creating purchase orders. The position requires preparing, submitting, and reconciling Procards, as well as maintaining ProCard files and transaction logs. The buyer will also assist in locating products and services to meet contractual requirements, provide pricing for contract cost estimates and planning, and offer advance planning and guidance on approvals and procedures. Ensuring the accuracy and currency of order information in databases is crucial. The role involves data entry, retrieval, and utilization of information from the ARL:UT IRIS database and the UT DEFINE/POINT PLUS System. Additionally, the Departmental Buyer will provide back-up support to other purchasers, participate in rotating assignments, and undertake special projects as directed. Other related functions may also be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
One year demonstrated ability in purchasing, including source selection, taking bids and awarding orders or making award recommendations.
Recent strong computer skills in MS Office, Adobe Acrobat and use of internet for purchasing and related functions.
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.
Experience providing successful customer service in person and by phone.
Ability to communicate effectively with various internal and external customers.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
Ability to work efficiently and flexibly in a fast paced environment.
Outstanding organizational and time-management skills.
Strong computer skills in MS Office, Excel, Adobe Acrobat and use of internet.
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.

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

Secure bids via telephone and email, award, and make award recommendations.
Develop sources of supply.
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 IRIS database as well as the UT DEFINE/POINT PLUS System.
Provide back-up support to one or more purchasers within the Purchasing Office.
Participate in regular rotating assignments and/or other special projects.
Perform other related functions as assigned.