Purchasing Agent

Position Summary This role is responsible for purchasing a variety of c ommodities , requiring extensive knowledge and expertise . The Purchasing Agent negotiates and executes moderately complex, large-dollar purchases. Position Duties: Collaborates with university stakeholders and subject matter experts to obtain the best value on moderately complex commodities in support of world-class research and education at Michigan State University. Demonstrates honesty and integrity to serve the mission of MSU and UPL and add value to the procurement process while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university policies, laws, and regulations. Participates in a team of procurement professionals who provide the MSU community expertise and financial stewardship while maintaining high-level performance on individual work assignments. Uses procurement expertise and technical knowledge to evaluate purchase requisitions for appropriateness, content, compliance, and clarity. Manages the procurement process by writing, issuing, and soliciting requests for information, proposals, and/or quotations (RFIs, RFPs, and/or RFQs). Assembles stakeholder specifications for moderately complex, unique, and /or large-scale purchases, determines suppliers to be solicited , evaluates proposals, and prepares bid analyses. Sources suppliers by selecting the appropriate procurement methodology (such as strategic contracts, bid solicitations, sole source) in alignment with UPL Procurement department and university business policies and procedures. Communicates frequently and effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and suppliers, to ensure supporting document needs are met, requirements are clear, and positive relationships are fostered. Employs broad procurement expertise and analytical skills to manage supplier relationships and assess supplier performance using measurement tools and decision modeling practices. Demonstrates strong negotiation skills, including strategy development, while partnering with MSU legal and risk management offices to negotiate supplier contracts and agreements. Provides Minimum Requirements Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business or Communications with relevant course work in Purchasing, Materials Management and Inventory Control or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in purchasing and economic and accounting business methods; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Desired Qualifications Demonstrated sound procurement negotiations and contract management skills, along with the use of ethical and regulatory-based decision-making in high-pressure situations. Effective interpersonal skills to facilitate and resolve situations with differing objectives . An advanced degree in supply chain, business, STEM or law field is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge in supply chain compliance, risk management, and import/export regulations. Prior participation in an ERP implementation project is beneficial. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status. Required Application Materials Resume and Cover letter Work Hours STANDARD 8-5 Website upl.msu.edu/ Remote Work Statement MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon. The Bidding Eligibility ends on 12/17/2024 at 11:55 PM