Buyer I

Tulane University; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Tulane University in New Orleans seeks a dedicated Purchasing Specialist to support departmental operations. This role involves managing requisitions, conducting competitive bidding for supplies and equipment, and maintaining supplier relationships. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, 2 years of relevant experience, and proficiency in electronic purchasing systems. Preferred qualifications include experience with the Oracle Cloud Fusion platform and Microsoft Office Suite. Join Tulane in fostering a professional purchasing environment.

Qualifications

• 2 years of purchasing or related experience required.
• Understanding of intermediate purchasing policies and principles.
• Proficiency with computers and online purchasing systems.

Responsibilities

• Review and process requisitions to generate purchase orders.
• Conduct competitive bidding processes for moderate to large purchases.
• Monitor exception and tracking reports to ensure timely order closure.

Skills

Intermediate purchasing policies and principles

Written and verbal communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college coursework

Tools

Oracle Cloud Fusion platform

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

Under general supervision, this role performs purchasing duties to support departmental operations. Primary responsibilities include reviewing requisitions for compliance with policies and procedures, issuing purchase orders, and managing competitive bidding processes for moderate to large‑scale procurement of supplies and equipment in accordance with established purchasing policies.

Responsibilities

Function: Requisition Processing & Competitive Sourcing

• Review, analyze, and process requisitions to generate purchase orders
• Conduct competitive bidding processes for moderate to large purchases of equipment and supplies under direction of senior procurement staff

35% of job

Function: Reporting & System Maintenance

• Monitor and review exception and tracking reports to ensure timely closure of completed purchase orders in Oracle system

20% of job

Function: Purchasing Consulting and Cost Management

• Provide departments with product specifications, pricing information, and procurement guidance to support informed purchasing decisions
• Proactively identify and implement cost savings and cost avoidance opportunities for the university
• Document and report achieved savings

15% of job

Function: Order Management

• Track and follow up on delayed or backordered items with departments and vendors to ensure order completion
• Obtain necessary approvals for change orders and communicate modifications to relevant departments
• Process change orders in accordance with established procedures to facilitate timely vendor payments

15% of job

Function: Vendor Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with current and prospective suppliers through phone contact, meetings, conferences, and industry events
• Identify and cultivate new supply sources for university needs
• Educate potential vendors on Tulane's purchasing policies and procedures

10% of job

Function: Other Duties

• Perform additional related assignments as needed to enhance procurement services for the university

5% of job

Total Essential Percentage Allocation for All Essential Functions

100%

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 2 years of purchasing or related experience required
• Some college coursework preferred
• Understanding of intermediate purchasing policies and principles
• Proficiency with computers and online purchasing systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities/Competencies:

• Working knowledge of electronic purchasing systems
• Excellent keyboarding skills with high data entry accuracy
• Outstanding oral and written communication abilities, with demonstrated effectiveness in interacting with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all work activities
• Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize assignments and meet established deadlines
• Capability to follow detailed instructions while working independently
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Oracle Cloud Fusion platform
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with educational/research environments and related terminology

Equal Opportunity

Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person's race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection or participation criteria for Tulane's employment or educational programs or activities.