Procurement Analyst II

Rice University Minimal Template External Career Site•Houston, TX

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering has an open Procurement Analyst position. The Procurement Analyst will be an integral member of ECE’s research, finance and administrative team. This role provides comprehensive procurement support for a broad portfolio of contracts, subawards, and departmental purchasing activities. Responsibilities include gathering required documentation and approvals for purchase requests, receipting purchase orders to facilitate payment, and reconciling p-card transactions. The Procurement Analyst also prepares financial management reports for assigned research grants, monitors transactions, and supports other essential financial operations within the department. Ideal Candidate Statement: The successful candidate will demonstrate experience in procurement operations within a large, complex organization, with prior use of P-Cards considered an asset. They will possess strong analytical capabilities, enabling them to assess complex data, uncover trends, and drive cost efficiencies and process enhancements. Advanced expertise in Excel or similar analytical tools, as well as hands-on experience with procurement systems, is essential. Workplace Requirements: Hybrid position: This is a full-time position requiring on-site work during the six-month probationary period. After successful completion of the probationary period, limited hybrid work flexibility may be available. In accordance with Rice Policy 440, work arrangements are subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
2+ years of experience in accounting/finance
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
Strong knowledge of market conditions, trade practices, sources, and lead times
Strong analytical skills
Ability to work in a dynamic environment
Ability to identify, clarify and resolve routine to moderately complex issues
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment
Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population
Understanding of and familiarity with specific acquisitions processes such as RFP’s, IFB’s Source Selection methodologies, market surveys, auctions and analytics-applied decision making
Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office (MS Excel and MS Word) and Adobe Acrobat

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or finance experience
Experience working in an institution of higher education with some experience in financial management
Management of personnel and grants/contracts with federal/state agencies
Procurement experience. 1-3 years of accounts payables, preferably in expense processing, financial administration, or P-Card administration

Responsibilities

Serves as a relationship manager to campus vendors
Advises and assists department staff, faculty and leadership in the acquisition of goods and services and in the selection of supplies and equipment
Performs high value transactions and services such as buying scientific or other specialized equipment and supplies
Conducts market research on services, materials, equipment and supplies
Evaluates price, quality, availability, reliability, and technical support when choosing equipment and supplies
Evaluates vendor quotes, negotiates price and delivery and places orders
Identifies and obtains inventory and non-inventory material goods and services
Researches and resolves issues or discrepancies with deliveries and pricing, and ensures accuracy of the delivery and timely payments to vendors
Advises and assists departments in the selection of appropriate supplies and equipment, as needed
Performs related procurement activities as assigned
Prepares, reviews, processes, and reconciles invoices and expenses
Leads departmental sourcing and procurement strategies
Oversees the supplier registration process within the department
Collaborates with departments and process partners to resolve procurement-related issues
Serves as a point of contact for Property Accounting, as applicable
Performs all other duties as assigned
Provides administrative support by coordinating research-related travel, procuring equipment and supplies, and scheduling meetings and events.
Supports faculty, students, and staff by responding to inquiries related to purchase orders and assisting with the acquisition of vendor quotations.
Trains faculty, students, and staff on the use of the Quartzy web-based system.
Serves as a liaison between the department and the Rice Procurement Office, Payments Team, Facilities Management, and Inventory Management teams.
Serves as the primary representative for space management and laboratory/equipment oversight