Senior Departmental Buyer

Senior Departmental Buyer

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and five years of experience in the preparation of contracts and related documents OR Bachelors degree and one year of experience in the preparation of contracts and related documents.
• One year experience with the State of Texas procurement process.
• Working knowledge of contract documents (plans, specifications).
• Minimum of one (1) professional purchasing certification must be attained within twelve-month period of appointment to the position. Once attained, certification must be maintained active.
• Experience using Excel, Microsoft Word, and eprocurement software.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and organizational skills, with an ability to manage multiple simultaneous activities in a diverse and complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients to create and finalize all procurement methods available to purchase goods and services, including utilizing pre-established contracts, including Group Purchasing Organizations and cooperative agreements that may provide the best value to the University. The position will create, issue, and manage the entire procurement process from issuance of the solicitation through execution of purchase order or contract, and including the post award contract life cycle.
• Ensure compliance with all procurement requirements, which apply to The University of Texas at Austin.
• Provide expert guidance and consultation to all areas including internal and external customers regarding procurement and opportunities.
• Stay updated on developments in the procurement field by participating in professional development. Build and maintain relationships with suppliers to stay informed about market trends. Keep a working knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies or procedures. Engage actively in assigned committees and meetings within the Business and Financial Services department.
• Ensure the proactive engagement and creation for maximum opportunity for Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) and Federal Small Business (SB) firms.
• Communicates with supervisor to maintain timely and accurate work processes.
• Provides timely and effective communication to customers, suppliers, and co-workers.
• Replies to emails promptly and professionally.
• Proactively meets with customers and employees to understand business needs and mitigate issues. Promptly notifies appropriate personnel about any issues or pending problems.
• Provides professional purchasing guidance to customers when necessary.
• Takes initiative to learn new processes and proposes process changes and/or improvements.
• Displays strong organizational and time management skills.
• Maintains punctuality and minimizes unplanned absences.
• Maintains State Purchasing Certification.
• Performs other duties, including special assignments, as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four or more years of experience in State of Texas, Higher Ed procurement process.
• Advanced Work skills including merging, formatting styles, templates and Excel linked workbooks.
• Experience managing solicitations in a higher education setting as the procurement lead.