Purchasing Agent and Strategic Sourcing Purchasing Agent

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Purchasing department intends to hire both a Purchasing Agent and Strategic Sourcing Purchasing Agent. These positions will provide support to the Purchasing Department by managing and monitoring purchase contracts to ensure compliance with contract terms. The Purchasing Agent/Buyer will issue competitive solicitations, including Request for Quotes, Request for Proposals, and Requests for Qualifications as needed. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with Federal and State Laws, Regents and University policies and procedures, the University's Strategic Plan, as well as departmental and divisional mission statements. The Purchasing Agent position’s primary focus will be on managing commodities related to laboratory and scientific equipment and consumables, vehicles, and service agreements, while also supporting other commodities as needed. Additionally, the Strategic Sourcing position will support University of Iowa Health Care by serving on the strategic sourcing team and engaging in more complex contract and purchasing solutions associated with medical equipment, supplies and services. These positions are not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience (typically 1 year) managing key responsibilities, accountabilities, and organization of the procurement functions.
Demonstrated ability to maintain positive and productive business relationships.
Ability to work independently and appropriately engages necessary resources to accomplish tasks.
Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects or tasks with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from financial and numerical data.
Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through effective written and verbal communication behaviors.
Advanced skills and proficiency in Adobe, and Microsoft Office Suite; primarily Excel and Word.

Nice To Haves

Experience beyond 1 year and up to 3 years in procurement processes.
Knowledge of automated purchasing system.
Demonstrated skill in negotiating.
Knowledge of the medical and higher education industry.
Experience with the purchase of laboratory and scientific equipment and supplies.
Experience with the purchase of vehicles, equipment maintenance, and leases.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate projects and initiatives.
Knowledge of University business policies and procedures.
Familiarity with PeopleSoft/Oracle purchasing and contract module.
Experience with the purchase of medical and dental equipment, supplies, and services.

Responsibilities

Manage competitive bids, requisitions and purchase orders for approved suppliers per assigned commodities.
Negotiate improved pricing, terms and conditions.
Develop written technical bid specifications for routine competitive Requests for Quotations, Requests for Information, Requests for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications for routine acquisitions or routine campus-wide needs.
Analyze industry and benchmarking data to increase cost savings opportunities