Buyer

SVSU Saginaw Valley State University; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

SVSU Saginaw Valley State University is seeking a Full-Time Buyer to manage procurement processes in compliance with university purchasing policies. Responsibilities include processing purchase requisitions, issuing purchase orders, and developing supplier relationships.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience. Strong communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite are essential. The role is predominantly office-based within Michigan.

Qualifications

• Must have three to five years of experience in procurement.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders.
• Develop proficiency with university procurement systems.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners for procurement.

Skills

Communication skills

Self-starter

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Workday

Job description

Job Title

Buyer – Full Time (Exempt)

Job Summary

Conduct day‑to‑day processes to procure goods and services in accordance with the University’s purchasing policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase requisitions within the SVSU ERP system, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.
• Review and validate requisitions, collaborate with initiators to make necessary revisions, issue purchase orders, and verify receipt of each order by the appropriate supplier.
• Develop proficiency with university procurement systems and accurately explain the use of these systems to university stakeholders.
• Work in a consultative manner with internal and external partners to procure goods and services, demonstrating expertise with respect to all procurement concepts, tools, and techniques for obtaining best value for the University while maintaining compliance with purchasing policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Communicate with campus community regarding approved purchasing and contracting procedures and practices.
• Assist in the training of university stakeholders.
• Work with the campus community to facilitate product research and development of product and/or service specifications to facilitate effective competitive quote solicitation processes.
• Analyze University utilization and consumption patterns to identify opportunities to consolidate and leverage campus buying power.
• Serve as the department’s primary lead for management of several key supplier relationships throughout the procure‑to‑pay process.
• Serve as the department’s primary lead on the collection and tracking of cooperative purchasing agreements and contracts that could be used to obtain best value for the University in combination with or in lieu of competitive bid processes.
• Prepare and write bids and requests for proposals, analyze results, and make recommendations based on achieving optimum value for the University and meeting the needs of stakeholders.
• Work with the Administrative Secretary to coordinate and perform order confirmation, follow‑up, and expediting tasks.
• Maintain appropriate supplier relationships.
• Communicate with external partners to ensure timely delivery of goods and services, as well as rectify shipping errors, damages, and returns for credit.
• Actively engage in Workday month‑end and year‑end closing tasks.
• Coordinate the delivery and installation of furniture and equipment between the supplier and the requesting department.
• Assure that appropriate insurance requirements are met as required.
• Cross‑functional training on all procurement functions will be a requirement of this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

General supervision is received from the Associate Director of Purchasing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Three to five years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Detailed, accurate, and grammatically correct written and oral English language communication skills are an essential requirement.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, visitors, suppliers, and guests.
• Self‑starter with demonstrated ability to work alone or as part of a team and perform duties within scheduled time limits.
• Ability to exercise independent and appropriate judgment based on specific situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.
• Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Supply Chain Management.
• Experience in higher education.
• Experience with Workday.
• Experience with website creation and design.

Working Conditions

Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions. All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan.

Additional Information

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.