Strategic Sourcing Purchasing Agent – Hybrid

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Daytona Beach, FL

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Strategic Sourcing Purchasing Agent reports directly to the Director of Procurement Services and serves as a key member of the University's Procurement team. This position partners closely with departments across the University to provide procurement guidance, process purchase requisitions, source goods and services, support competitive solicitation processes including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations to Negotiate (ITNs), and Requests for Quotations (RFQs), and ensure compliance with University policies and applicable regulatory requirements. The Purchasing Agent works collaboratively with faculty, staff, administrators, and internal stakeholders to deliver exceptional customer service while supporting the University's operational, academic, and strategic objectives. The role contributes to strategic sourcing initiatives through spend analysis, supplier engagement, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and sourcing strategy development designed to optimize value, reduce risk, contain costs, and improve procurement outcomes. The position also serves as a procurement consultant to University departments by promoting best practices and identifying opportunities to leverage University-wide spending. The successful candidate will be able to work independently on complex projects requiring sound judgment, strong analytical skills, and demonstrated procurement expertise while collaborating with Procurement leadership to identify opportunities for spend consolidation, supplier leverage, process improvement, and operational efficiencies. This position plays an active role in supporting solicitation activities, evaluating supplier proposals, measuring sourcing performance, and implementing strategic purchasing initiatives that advance the University's procurement objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1–3 years of relevant work experience in accounting or finance.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• In-depth knowledge of supply chain and procurement functions and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to deliver high levels of customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively and drive process improvements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience using procurement tracking systems and tools.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong budgeting and financial process awareness.
• Comfortable working collaboratively with both the Budget Office and Controller’s Office on payment and process-related issues.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in stressful situations.
• High level of accountability and willingness to take ownership of tasks, decisions, and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide procurement guidance to departments.
• Process purchase requisitions.
• Source goods and services.
• Support competitive solicitation processes (RFPs, ITNs, RFQs).
• Ensure compliance with University policies and regulatory requirements.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic sourcing initiatives through spend analysis, supplier engagement, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and sourcing strategy development.
• Serve as a procurement consultant to University departments, promoting best practices and identifying opportunities to leverage University-wide spending.
• Work independently on complex projects requiring sound judgment, strong analytical skills, and demonstrated procurement expertise.
• Collaborate with Procurement leadership to identify opportunities for spend consolidation, supplier leverage, process improvement, and operational efficiencies.
• Support solicitation activities, evaluate supplier proposals, measure sourcing performance, and implement strategic purchasing initiatives.

Benefits

• Up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year (3 days upon hire, 15 accrued).
• 9+ paid holidays (including day after Thanksgiving and week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day).
• 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree.
• Discounted tuition rates for spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan.
• ERAU offers a 4% matching contribution to your retirement plan (no vesting period).
• 15 days of personal leave for non-exempt employees or 18 days for exempt full-time employees in your first year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level