Procurement Agent (CEMI)

Cornell University • Ithaca, MI

2d • $72,209 - $82,519 • Remote

About The Position

Cornell University, unique among peers, is the federal land-grant institution of New York State, a private endowed university, and a member of the Ivy League. Cornell University's Board of Trustees delegates significant procurement authority, ultimately, to Procurement Services (Procurement) for acquiring goods and services on the university's behalf from external sources. Procurement has been called upon to provide crucial data analysis, strategic recommendations, assistance in decision-making, and tools to assist the university in reducing spending and making processes more efficient. While Procurement continues to pursue non-salary cost savings for the university, its strives to provide a world-class supply management function in support of the University’s mission by creating value through strategic sourcing, efficient processes, and professional service.

In accordance with the Transaction Authority Policy, as approved by the Board of Trustees, CEMI Procurement Agents have been delegated (by the EVP/CFO and Vice President of the Division of Financial Services) the authority to make obligations outside of the University for the procurement of goods and services. This requires CEMI Procurement Agents’ approval and signature on purchase orders, agreements, and contracts related to the procurement of goods and services.

As a member of the Procurement Services team of CEMI Procurement Agents, you will be part of a team-focused, fast-paced, demanding, and continuously evolving environment that provides University departments with the business skills required for the procurement of equipment, supplies, and services in assigned commodity area seeking the best total value package of quality, price, and service.

Requirements

• Resourceful and team-oriented professional that can effectively work with internal groups as we engage colleges and units in spend reviews and data analysis and other Operations functions and with outside suppliers, Finance, Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, and Environment Health & Safety within Cornell University and Sourcing Peers.
• 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