Job Category: Exempt

PCLS: 30012

Salary Grade: E

Summary

Incumbents in the Buyer series procure equipment, supplies, goods, and services for assigned departments and in accordance with University guidelines as well as state and federal procurement laws. Incumbents review requisitions and bid specifications and negotiate purchase agreements or supply contracts.  

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Buyer I reports to a Manager or Director.  This classification may train and guide staff and/or student employees. 

Essential Functions

1. Examines departmental purchase requisitions for completeness and accuracy. 
2. Prepares all aspects of simple bids, requests for quotes, and proposals, including precise specifications, supporting spreadsheets, comparisons, recommendations, and justifications; issues purchase orders. 
3. Seeks new sources for supplies, goods, and materials and secures terms favorable to the University. 
4. Maintains records of supplies; amounts ordered and received; and actual sales records on items and vendors. 
5. Identifies and selects suppliers; conducts procurement processes; and negotiates prices, terms and delivery methods. 
6. Meets with sales representatives to develop new vendor sources, updates records, and secures demos. 
7. Interacts with vendors regarding procurement procedures and status of orders. 
8. Reviews, approves, and processes purchasing requests. 
9. Maintains inventories. 
10. Maintains and updates product catalogs, vendor files, and price lists. 
11. May lead, guide, and train staff/student employees. 
12. May create and maintain sales displays. 
13. Ensures deliveries are made to proper departments. 
14. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Ability to resolve complaints and concerns. 
2. Records maintenance skills. 
3. Ability to analyze purchasing requests/orders for compliance with institutional procedures. 
4. Ability to evaluate procurement bids in accordance with established criteria. 
5. Ability to analyze and solve problems. 
6. Ability to prepare bids, requests for quotes, and proposals in compliance with University policies. 
7. Ability to complete administrative paperwork. 
8. Knowledge of cost analysis techniques. 
9. Knowledge of contract law. 
10. Negotiating skills. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree plus one year of relevant experience is required. 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.  

Disclaimer

This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.