Buyer

Position Title: Buyer

Department: Purchasing

Advertised Pay: Low to mid $50,000

Campus Location: Washburn University

The screening committee will review all eligible applications submitted by September 19, 2024

Position Summary: The Buyer for the Purchasing Department is responsible for the procurement of supplies, materials, equipment, and services for campus departments. Reviews and processes requisitions. Determines vendor sources and product availability. Maintains contact with vendors and ensures compliance with contracts. The assigned location or tasks between Washburn University and Washburn University Institute of Technology will be flexible and determined by location needs.

Essential Functions:
Coordinate and facilitate the acquisition of a variety of goods and services.
• Advise University departments of University policies, regulations, and procedures for the procurement of goods or services.
• Review purchase requests to determine the appropriate acquisition method for the goods or services. Contact University departments to clarify or obtain additional information as required.
• Develop specifications and prepare requests for quotations/proposals to facilitate the procurement of goods and services that meet users' requirements at the most reasonable cost. Solicit bids or proposals from responsible bidders according to University policy, evaluate those received, and recommend awards to the Director. Prepare purchase orders to awarded vendors to initiate purchases being made through the bid process.
• Review completed purchase orders and authorize change orders prior to payment as appropriate to facilitate timely and accurate payments for goods and services received.
• Contact vendors to gain knowledge of products and general commodity requirements, or to resolve order problems as required.
Coordinate the University Office Supply Program.
• Set up meetings to train campus staff to use the office supply website.
• Monitor the usage of office supplies and prepare reports for department staff.
Facilitate Procurement Card Usage.
• Provide Procurement Card orientations for new cardholders.
• Review and monitor Procurement Card activity to ensure cards are used per University policy.
Meet with University departments and vendors to evaluate photocopier needs and identify new/replacement equipment accordingly.
• Monitor the use and age of existing photocopiers and determine when replacements or upgrades are needed.
• Support other staff in the office as appropriate to meet department goals.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree and 1-2 years of experience in purchasing, finance, accounting, or a closely related field; OR a combination of relevant education and work experience equivalent to 5-6 years of experience, OR 5-6 years of relevant work experience as a buyer, purchasing agent, or a similar role for a large organization.
• Effective communication, negotiation, organization, and attention to detail skills.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with all members across an organization.
• Demonstrated effective research and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, business/public administration, or procurement.
• Procurement experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience using Ellucian, Banner, or similar software programs.

Full-time, Exempt, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm   
Background Check Required