Procurement Associate

Penn State University•University Park, IL

3d•$36,888 - $53,532•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Central Procurement at Penn State seeks a detail-oriented Procurement Associate to join our team. This position plays an essential role in handling procurement transactions and supporting various procurement processes across the University. Procurement Associate reviews, prepares, verifies and approves purchase requisitions within established dollar limits and guidelines in the University system in order to process purchase orders to various suppliers for departments; verifies fair and reasonable pricing and documents purchase order files in accordance with University policies and procedures; corresponds with suppliers and customers to solve problems, share information, and ensure accurate payment.

Requirements

Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate with coworkers within and outside of the Procurement unit
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive documents and situations
Demonstrated ability to multitask and meet deadlines
Effective decision-making skills
Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving abilities
High level of accuracy in work and attention to detail
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
No prior relevant work experience required
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

Prepare, edit, and process purchase orders within establish dollar limits and University policy
Contact vendors and suppliers for quotations, and follow up on outstanding purchase orders
Ensure all transactions meet government regulations and University policies and procedures
Assist Procurement Managers and Agents with vendor research and negotiations; obtain information on price, delivery, payment, specifications, and purchase order terms
Use a variety of electronic systems and databases to import and create documents, track vendor information and payments, create auctions, compose correspondence, create and process purchase orders, requests for proposal, and various financial transactions
Identify and resolve discrepancies; obtain vendor certifications and certificates of liability insurance when required
Assist in monitoring internal and external customer satisfaction
May perform general office duties such as mail distribution, answering phones and greeting visitors