Strategic Sourcing Purchasing Agent

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is within the Purchasing team and focuses on contract management, overseeing purchase agreements to ensure compliance with all terms. The Purchasing Agent will handle competitive bids and lead the issuance of Request for Quotes, Proposals, and Qualifications. A key aspect of this role is ensuring compliance with Federal and State laws, Regents and University guidelines, and the Strategic Plan and department goals. The position involves collaboration with the University of Iowa Health Care team to manage advanced contracts and develop sourcing solutions for medical equipment and services. This is an opportunity to challenge oneself, work with passionate colleagues, and contribute to campus operations and healthcare projects. This position is 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 a minimum of 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 medical and dental equipment, supplies, and services.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate projects and initiatives.
Knowledge of University business policies and procedures.
Familiarity with PeopleSoft/Oracle purchasing and contract module.

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.