Purchasing Agent-Procurement Services

Market Range: 10

Hiring Range: $4,144.04 - $5,133.25/Monthly

JOB SUMMARY/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The Purchasing Agent provides purchasing support to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center's (UTHSC) staff, faculty, and students in support of UTHSC's stated mission. This position performs binding purchasing commitments on behalf of the departments and serves as the campus expert for specific commodities and services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Reviews purchase requisitions and independently determines appropriate procurement method: researches supply sources.
2. Coordinates with departments to select successful vendors for awards; commits University funds without other approvals required by executing purchase orders per UT Policy.
3. Reviews and analyzes bids, quotations, proposals, and technical offers.
4. Provides training and guidance to University personnel relating to purchasing policies and the online purchasing system; provides training for PaymentWorks and DASH.
5. Evaluates purchasing requirements to determine needs for campus-wide contracts.
6. Resolves problems relating to purchasing transactions involving vendors and University personnel.
7. Provides consultant services to departments including product specification and evaluation, procurement planning, and product sourcing.
8. Performs contract and post-award administration of contracts and purchase orders.
9. Serves as the subject matter expert for procurement-related activities, policies and procedures, and reconciliation assistance.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. (Master's Degree in Accounting or Finance preferred). (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of purchasing experience or related work experience; OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal five (5) years.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of general accounting principles and data entry skills.
• Ability to interact with University personnel, vendors, and members of group purchasing of various levels.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to lead projects and prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position may occasionally be required to work evenings and weekends. May require occasional overnight travel.