Procurement Agent (CEMI)

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

4d • Remote

About The Position

Cornell University's Procurement Services is responsible for acquiring goods and services on behalf of the university. This department provides crucial data analysis, strategic recommendations, and tools to help reduce spending and improve efficiency. The Procurement Agent role involves making obligations for the procurement of goods and services, requiring approval and signature on purchase orders, agreements, and contracts. This position is part of a team-focused, fast-paced environment that supports university departments in procuring equipment, supplies, and services within assigned commodity areas, aiming for the best total value package. The role is a two-year term appointment with the possibility of remote work within the United States.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management or Supply Management, with 3 to 5 years of procurement experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Progressive experience in procurement including strategic sourcing, supplier management and development, and data analysis.
• Proficient and comfortable in the development and presentation of strategy, negotiation proposals, as well as presentation to senior executives.
• Highly motivated, self-directed and perform responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• The ability to work in a complex, high demand environment with experience in using reasoning skills and sound judgment in the identification and investigation of complex issues.
• Ability to work well in an ever-changing environment and bring stability to the role and its function.
• An ability to independently plan and prioritize responsibilities to meet competing deadlines while working under pressure.
• Must be customer service oriented and able to work productively in a team-based environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and concisely in verbal and written formats to a wide variety of constituents required while building and maintaining solid working relationships with a broad range of people.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• MBA
• Procurement/CPM certification and membership in the National Association of Education Procurement (NAEP), or the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and interpret applicable market conditions and trends.
• Design and implement purchasing plans for assigned commodity areas.
• Advise management in the development of purchasing policies, procedures, and plans.
• Negotiate Cornell contracts where appropriate for assigned commodities.
• Maintain vendor/commodity/item/contract information in university financial system re database for access for all University departments.
• Conduct university bids, negotiate strategic sourcing agreements and contracts for services.
• Serve as subject matter experts for procurement, participate in collaborative discussions, provide training.
• Provide guidance and interpretation of Cornell policies, ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Manage complex supplier engagements and contract review and negotiation.
• Develop and maintain collegial and productive relationships, effectively communicate, work collaboratively, and provide exceptional customer service to audiences spanning across all levels of the university.
• Participate in creating contract records in the university’s contracts management tool or financial system.
• Work with internal groups when engaging colleges and units in spend reviews and data analysis and other operations functions and with outside suppliers, Finance, Legal, Risk Management, and Environment Health & Safety within Cornell University and Sourcing Peers.
• Manage large strategic sourcing projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Educational benefits
• Access to a plethora of wellness programs
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• Health care options to choose from
• Generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation, 14 university paid holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day)
• Superior retirement contributions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level