Purchasing Agent

The University of Iowa Purchasing Agent will provide support to the Purchasing Department by managing and monitoring purchase contracts ensuring compliance with contract terms. The Purchasing Agent/Buyer will issue competitive solicitations including Request for Quotes, Request for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications as needed. This position will ensure compliance with Federal and State Laws, Regents and University policies and procedures and the University's Strategic plan, plus departmental and divisional mission statements.

Duties to Include:

• Manage competitive bids, requisitions and purchase orders for approved suppliers per assigned commodities.
• Negotiate improved pricing, terms and conditions.
• Develop written technical bid specifications for routine competitive Requests for Quotations, Requests for Information, Requests for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications for routine acquisitions or routine campus-wide needs.
• Analyze industry and benchmarking data to increase cost savings opportunities

Location: PCO (Hybrid Work Model)

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Pay: $42,819 to commensurate

For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

About the Purchasing Department:

The mission of the University of Iowa Purchasing Department is to obtain quality goods and services at the lowest reasonable cost, while operating at the highest standards of ethical conduct. We accomplish this through cooperative team interaction and continuous quality improvement in support of the overall goals of Finance and Operations. Purchasing's authority is delegated from the Board of Regents through the President of the University in accordance with the statutes and administrative rules of the State of Iowa and the procedures of the Board of Regents.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience (typically a minimum of 1 year) managing key responsibilities, accountabilities, and organization of the procurement functions.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain positive and productive business relationships.
• Ability to work independently, and appropriately engages necessary resources to accomplish tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects or tasks with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from financial and numerical data.
• Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through effective written and verbal communication behaviors.
• Advanced skills and proficiency in Adobe, and Microsoft Office Suite; primarily Excel and Word.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience beyond 1 year and up to 3 years in procurement processes.
• Knowledge of automated purchasing system.
• Demonstrated skill in negotiating.
• Knowledge of the medical and higher education industry.
• Experience with the purchase of medical and dental equipment, supplies and services.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate projects and initiatives.
• Knowledge of University business policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft/Oracle purchasing and contract module.

Position and Application Details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact Brooke McMurl at brooke-mcmurl@uiowa.edu or 319-467-0719.

This position is eligible for a combination of on-campus and remote work. Work arrangement options will be discussed during the hiring process