Purchasing Agent III

Florida Atlantic University•Boca Raton, FL

24d•$58,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Financial Affairs at Florida Atlantic University is seeking 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, applicable procurement regulations and policies, and relevant federal, state, and local laws. The position promotes effective competition, cost efficiency, risk mitigation, contract compliance, and best value through procurement strategies, market research, financial analysis, and supplier relationship management. It also advises and partners with University departments to support transparent, accountable, and results-oriented procurement practices. The Purchasing Agent III develops sourcing strategies, advises stakeholders, manages competitive solicitations, evaluates proposals and suppliers, and coordinates contract review, negotiation, execution, modification, and administration. The role monitors contract activity and procurement records, applies regulatory requirements, identifies risks and process improvements, and uses Workday and other procurement technologies to support transactions, reporting, and workflow management. It provides responsive service to departments and suppliers and offers cross-functional support for Procurement operations. The position requires a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of relevant professional experience, including demonstrated procurement and contracting experience. A valid driver's license is required. The role is based in Boca Raton and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Salary is $58,000–$80,000, commensurate with experience. The position is subject to employment screenings, which may include criminal background, motor vehicle, credit, reference, alcohol, and drug checks.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education 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 under Florida Statute §435.04.
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 applicable BOG regulations, state statutes, and University procurement policies.
Experience conducting market research, cost and pricing analyses, supplier evaluations, contract utilization reviews, and procurement reporting.
Demonstrated ability to identify procurement risks, strengthen internal controls, improve processes, and support audit-ready documentation.
Experience with strategic procurement and contracting activities for facilities management, physical plant, construction, and housing initiatives.

Responsibilities

Develop, coordinate, and execute procurement strategies for assigned spend categories and commodities in alignment with University priorities, operational needs, and regulations.
Collaborate with University departments and stakeholders to assess procurement needs, establish sourcing strategies, evaluate alternatives, and develop best-value solutions.
Advise end-user departments, project managers, and stakeholders on procurement policies, procedures, competitive requirements, contracting options, BOG regulations, and state statutes.
Manage multiple procurement initiatives and balance priorities, milestones, regulatory requirements, and deadlines.
Coordinate the procurement lifecycle from requirements assessment and sourcing strategy through solicitation, evaluation, award, contract execution, and ongoing administration.
Develop, coordinate, and administer ITNs, RFPs, and ITBs, ensuring clear requirements, appropriate evaluation methodologies, and compliance with regulations and University policies.
Conduct market research and supplier outreach to identify qualified sources, assess market conditions and available solutions, and promote competition.
Analyze state, county, cooperative, and other authorized public-sector contract vehicles to identify compliant sourcing opportunities and maximize value.
Participate in bid and proposal evaluations, conduct cost comparisons and financial analyses, assess supplier responses, and develop documented recommendations.
Coordinate review, negotiation, routing, execution, and modification of supplier contracts, purchase orders, and change orders.
Monitor contract expenditures, purchase order balances, invoices, deliverables, renewals, expiration dates, and other contractual milestones.
Collaborate with departments, Accounts Payable, project stakeholders, and relevant units to resolve contract issues, supplier performance concerns, and invoice-processing matters.
Assist in resolving supplier disputes, contractual discrepancies, performance issues, and other procurement matters, escalating when appropriate.
Maintain complete and accurate procurement documentation to support 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 controls; recommend corrective actions and risk-mitigation strategies.
Use Workday ERP and other designated procurement technologies to process transactions, maintain records, monitor contract activity, and manage workflows.
Prepare, analyze, and interpret reports on procurement activity, contract utilization, expenditures, spend patterns, supplier performance, and operational trends.
Provide professional, responsive, solutions-oriented service to departments, suppliers, and other stakeholders; communicate 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 serve as backup for other Procurement functions.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance (PPO/HMO; listed employee premiums are $50 per month for single coverage and $180 per month 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 program for state employees.
Sick Leave Pool Program.
Paid vacation and sick leave for eligible employees.
One personal day for eligible employees.
Nine paid holidays for eligible employees.
Paid winter break at the President's discretion.
Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day.
Employee Educational Scholarship Program tuition assistance after six months of full-time employment for eligible staff and faculty; for in-unit faculty, the program may extend to spouses and dependent children subject to eligibility rules.