Senior Purchasing Agent

Job Summary

Responsible to the Director of Procurement and Contract Services for purchasing goods and services at ETSU through the electronic procurement system, initiating contracts, and facilitating the competitive bid process. This includes procurement of highly specialized equipment, components, and systems; extensive licenses and software for numerous departments; medical, scientific, professional, and technical products and services; and a variety of other supplies and services for the University. Processing and approving requisitions into purchase orders; assessing and verifying requests for proper compliance and authorization; processing bids according to State of Tennessee and University policies; administering large, highly technical RFPs (requests for proposals), as well as less involved RFPs and RFQs (requests for quotation); identifying sources of products and services; serving as a contact between departments and vendors; understanding departmental needs and meeting them within state and University guidelines; maintaining close working relationships with numerous vendors; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic procurement principles and practices.
Knowledge of various products and pricing standards utilized by the University.
Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply University policies/procedures, and state and federal laws as they relate to procurement.
Knowledge of procurement involving software, computers, scientific and medical research supplies, and equipment.
Ability and willingness to stay at the forefront of procurement best practices.
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, conceptualize, solve problems, make decisions, and accept responsibility.
Ability to formulate appropriate bid specifications, create bid documents, build bidder lists, analyze bids, and determine successful bidders.
Ability to establish, build, and maintain relationships with all key vendors, identify sources of supply, and obtain the best pricing for the University.
Ability to utilize computer applications for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, use online procurement system, and ERP system.
Ability to organize, analyze, and interpret collected data.
Ability to manage tasks of a highly detailed and technical nature, organize and prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently, take initiative in accomplishing tasks, function as a team member, and function as a team leader.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a fast-paced workplace.
Ability to analyze facts, exercise critical thinking, and use sound judgment in arriving at proper conclusions for decision making and problem solving.
Ability to act as backup for different positions in the Procurement and Contracts department.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree OR Associates Degree/Two years of college + Two (2) years of related work experience OR four (4) years of related work experience (plus any additional required experience

   

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degreee

Compensation and Benefits

• Job Family – Procurement Professional 1
• Market Range - 6 (Salary Schedules)
• For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants

   

• Documents needed to apply: Cover Letter, Resume, and three (3) references upon request
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check