Procurement Buyer, Procurement Services - UT System Administration

Collaborate with University departments to support purchasing activities and ensure timely, accurate processing of procurement transactions. Perform complex, time-critical procurement functions, demonstrating attention to detail and sensitivity to the University's needs. Maintain strict compliance with applicable university policies, state laws, and federal regulations during all procurement activities. Evaluate and process detailed procurement transactions for accuracy and compliance including requisitions, purchase orders, purchase agreements, and contracts. Take ownership of multiple departments, campus customers, and key stakeholders to assist in the development of initiatives aimed at achieving cost savings and operational efficiencies. Research and problem solve procurement related issues. Communicate findings with appropriate stakeholders to resolve issues. Leverage negotiation skills to drive favorable terms and conditions for the University. Analyze supplier data to provide recommendations for supply chain enhancements. Foster and maintain vital relationships with suppliers, cultivating a network of reliable partners to support the University's needs. Provide support to campus partners by participating in and leading training sessions, office hours, and serving as a point of contact on procurement related inquiries. Provide support as needed during the formal bid process.

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

General Functions:

• Collaborates with various departments to determine requirements and formulate precise specifications for procurement transactions.
• Oversees the process of issuing purchase orders and takes responsibility for ensuring accuracy and compliance with University policy, state law, and federal regulations.
• Ensures strict adherence of suppliers to university policies and state laws.
• Manages and maintains records of all renewable agreements for streamlined tracking and efficient management.
• Reviews existing agreements and proposes solutions to consolidate spending and enhance the university's purchasing leverage.
• Imports existing contracts into the procurement system creating departmental processing efficiencies.

Strategy and Collaboration:

• Collaborate to develop actionable plans for enhanced supplier agreements.
• Identify opportunities for optimizing internal demand management and purchasing behaviors.

Negotiation:

• Engages in negotiation processes with suppliers to secure more advantageous pricing and terms that align with the university's interests.
• Leads negotiations to achieve more favorable pricing structures for renewable purchasing agreements, contributing to enhanced cost efficiencies.

Customer Service:

• Provides guidance to departments regarding procurement strategies; responds to inquiries; clarifies university procurement policies.
• Aids departments in navigating requisition and contract software systems.
• Offers operational instruction and support to suppliers.
• Provide support and guidance to departments through formal and informal training sessions and office hours.
• Assist in monitoring customer support channels to problem solve issues by providing solutions, directing individuals to procurement's training and job aids, or escalating to the appropriate support resource.
• Take initiative to participate in vendor fairs, which includes: planning, coordinating, outreach, event setup & tear-down, and actively participating during the event.

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Conduct audits to verify compliance with university contract pricing.
• Cultivate partnerships with suppliers through collaborative efforts: quarterly business meetings, analysis of spend data, usage patterns, future demands, and benchmark data.
• Pursue corrective actions from suppliers in instances of overcharges.

Bachelor's degree and possess a minimum of one year of experience in higher education (finance and administration), procurement, contracts, or a related field; or, holds a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or a related business degree.

Additional skills, experiences, and qualifications include:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to engage with diverse stakeholders and convey complex information clearly.
• Proficient in various computer applications, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Capable of working effectively with minimal supervision.
• Adept at meeting stringent deadlines.
• Skilled in managing rapid-paced, high-volume tasks.
• Exhibits excellent customer service and problem solving skills.

Preferred

• At least 2 years of full-time experience in higher education, procurement, supply chain, contracts, or related field.
• Procurement related certifications
• Microsoft Excel (pivot tables), ERP systems (Oracle), Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word

Application Process
For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Benefits and Compensation
Compensation for the position is budgeted $55,000 to $65,000.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/