Purchasing Agent III

Florida Atlantic University•Boca Raton, FL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Financial Affairs at Florida Atlantic University is hiring a Purchasing Agent III in Boca Raton, Florida. The role develops, coordinates, and executes strategic procurement and contracting activities in support of the University community. It provides procurement services throughout the procurement and contract lifecycle while ensuring compliance with Florida State University System Board of Governors regulations, procurement rules and policies, and applicable federal, state, and local laws. The position promotes competition, cost efficiency, risk mitigation, contract compliance, and best value through procurement strategies, market research, financial analysis, and supplier relationship management. It serves as a procurement advisor and strategic partner to University departments. The Purchasing Agent III works with University stakeholders to assess needs, develop sourcing strategies, administer competitive solicitations, evaluate proposals, and coordinate contract development and administration. The role also monitors contract activity, supports compliance and risk management, maintains procurement documentation, analyzes reports, and provides responsive service to departments and suppliers. It uses Workday and other procurement technologies and provides cross-functional support as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization.
Two years of relevant professional experience.
Demonstrated experience in procurement and contracting, including competitive solicitations, contract development and administration, supplier negotiations, sourcing analysis, and supplier relationship management.
Knowledge of procurement principles, competitive purchasing practices, contract management, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and customer service skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Valid driver’s license.
Must successfully complete required pre-employment screenings; the position is subject to a criminal background check, which may include Level II screening.
Position is subject to applicable federal and state privacy regulations.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience in public higher education procurement.
Experience developing and administering complex competitive solicitations, including ITNs, RFPs, and ITBs.
Experience with Euna Solutions/Bonfire or comparable electronic public procurement and solicitation platforms.
Experience with Workday ERP or comparable enterprise procurement and financial management systems.
Familiarity with Florida public-sector procurement requirements, including BOG regulations, state statutes, and University procurement policies.
Experience conducting market research, cost and pricing analyses, supplier evaluations, contract utilization reviews, and procurement reporting.
Ability to identify procurement risks, strengthen internal controls, improve processes, and support audit-ready documentation.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute procurement strategies for assigned categories and commodities in alignment with University priorities and applicable regulations.
Collaborate with University departments and stakeholders to assess needs, evaluate alternatives, and develop sourcing solutions that deliver best value.
Advise departments, project managers, and stakeholders on procurement policies, procedures, competitive requirements, contracting options, BOG regulations, and state statutes.
Manage concurrent procurement initiatives, priorities, milestones, and deadlines.
Coordinate the procurement lifecycle from requirements assessment and sourcing strategy through solicitation, evaluation, award, execution, and contract administration.
Develop, coordinate, and administer competitive solicitations, including ITNs, RFPs, and ITBs.
Conduct market research and supplier outreach to identify sources, assess market conditions, evaluate solutions, and promote competition.
Evaluate public-sector contract vehicles and other authorized sourcing opportunities for compliance and institutional value.
Participate in bid and proposal evaluations, perform cost comparisons and financial analyses, assess supplier responses, and develop recommendations based on documented criteria and University needs.
Coordinate review, negotiation, routing, execution, and modification of supplier contracts, purchase orders, and change orders.
Monitor contract expenditures, purchase order balances, invoices, deliverables, renewal provisions, expiration dates, and other contractual milestones.
Collaborate with departments, Accounts Payable, project stakeholders, and other units to resolve contract issues, address supplier performance concerns, and support accurate, timely invoice processing.
Assist in resolving supplier disputes, contractual discrepancies, performance issues, and procurement matters, escalating issues as appropriate.
Maintain complete procurement documentation supporting transparency, accountability, internal controls, and audit readiness.
Interpret and apply BOG regulations, state statutes, University procurement policies, and other relevant requirements.
Identify compliance gaps, contractual risks, process deficiencies, and opportunities to strengthen procurement controls; recommend corrective actions and risk mitigation strategies.
Use Workday ERP and other procurement technologies to process transactions, maintain records, monitor contract activity, and manage workflows.
Prepare and interpret reports on procurement activity, contract utilization, expenditures, spend patterns, supplier performance, and operational trends.
Provide professional, responsive, solutions-oriented service and communicate procurement requirements, timelines, procedures, and decisions clearly.
Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve procurement practices, strengthen controls, and enhance service delivery.
Provide cross-functional support and act as backup for other Procurement functions.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance (PPO/HMO); the posting lists monthly premiums of $50 for single coverage and $180 for family coverage.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Flexible Spending plans.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
State retirement options, including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program for state employees.
Sick Leave Pool Program.
Vacation and sick leave for eligible employees.
One personal day and nine paid holidays.
Paid winter break at the President’s discretion.
Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day.
Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) tuition assistance for eligible staff and faculty after six months of full-time employment; eligibility rules apply.