Buyer - Facilities Services - UTK

This position is responsible for performing procurement functions, interfacing with FS Departmental units and UT Systems Purchasing Office in accomplishing procurement services for all units within the FS Department while ensuring compliance with UT purchasing policies and state and federal procurement laws and regulations. In this position, the Buyer has delegated procurement authority, committing university funds up to $25,000 for each purchase.

• Performs complex, time critical procurement functions up to $25,000 delegated purchase authority per purchase which includes preparing requests for quotes and awarding contracts.
• Identifies requesting unit’s needs and develops or refines specifications for procurement of commodities, supplies, or equipment.
• Processes purchasing transactions in accordance with state and federal statues, and UT fiscal policies and procedures.
• Examines and analyzes departmental purchase requisitions for completeness and accuracy of information which may include:
  • Contacting unit and/or vendor to clarify information
  • Determining method to process requisition based upon dollar amount, existing contracts, and/ or competitive bidding.
• Resolves problems with orders.
• Communicates and negotiates with vendors and other service providers to increase University purchasing power.
• Obtains best value by combining like orders for similar purchase requests to obtain quantity discounts.
• Reviews vendor performance against specifications, tracks order fill rates and delivery requirements, and performs advanced reporting for management on spend activity, savings opportunities, diversity suppliers and vendor issues.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree Business Administration/ Management, Finance, or related
• Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a business related field and one year of relevant experience, or at least five years of an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in the procurement of services, commodities, supplies, materials, and/ or equipment.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Customer service and communications skills.
  • Ability to interact effectively and efficiently with others.
  • Knowledge of products, vendors, markets, and procurement procedures.
  • Knowledge of procurement contract law and administration.
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of purchasing software.
  • Ability to learn specialized purchasing software.
  • Knowledge of MS Office Word and Excel.
• Other Conditions: Valid Driver’s license

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR07
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.