Stores Buyer

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Stores Buyer is part of the Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M), Department of Physical Plant in the operational area of Stores at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Stores Buyer position is responsible for coordinating and managing procurement activities in support of departmental operations. This position ensures timely acquisition of goods and services while maintaining compliance with university policies, state regulations, and established procurement procedures. This role serves as a liaison between internal departments, suppliers, and stakeholders to support operational efficiency, inventory management, and strategic purchasing initiatives. The Stores Buyer exercises independent judgment in evaluating vendor options, analyzing pricing and product availability, and identifying cost effective purchasing solutions. The expected responsibilities of this role include processing purchase requests, obtaining quotes, managing supplier relationships, monitoring order status, resolving procurement issues, and maintaining accurate purchasing records. This position may also assist with contract coordination, inventory oversight, invoice reconciliation, and continuous process improvement efforts. A qualified candidate will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, communication abilities, and knowledge of procurement systems.

Requirements

• Experience working with suppliers, vendors, or distribution channels in a procurement or operational environment
• Knowledge of purchasing systems, inventory processes, and procurement of best practices
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within large institutional government or higher education settings
• Previous purchasing, procurement, customer service, or related administrative experience is preferred
• High School Diploma Preferred; or equivalent

Responsibilities

• Assists purchasing agents, buyers, and procurement specialists with editing and preparation of service agreements and one-time purchasing agreements using established forms and templates
• Provides response to questions from internal and external stakeholders
• Manages requisition-to-purchase order process including dissemination to suppliers and changes resulting in changes to financial encumbrances
• Prepares and monitors release of and responses to all types of solicitations
• Creates and maintains library of purchasing-related forms and templates
• Enters purchase orders and supplier information into financial system of record in compliance with established standards and with appropriate segregation of duties
• Maintains and files records in compliance with regulatory requirements

Benefits

• generous paid time off
• competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
• tax-advantaged savings accounts
• participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED