Buyer I - Procurement

The University of Texas Medical Branch; Kentucky; Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is seeking a Buyer I to support routine procurement by processing purchase requisitions, issuing purchase orders, and ensuring policy compliance. This entry-level role emphasizes front-line procurement support and customer service while maintaining accuracy in purchasing operations.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting ordering errors, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring timely delivery, with a focus on HUB purchasing and adherence to UTMB

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and two years of work experience in an office environment.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders.
• Coordinate with vendors to confirm PO receipt and delivery.
• Resolve 2-way/3-way match exceptions with invoices, POs, and receipts.
• Communicate with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure timely orders and issue resolution.
• Support HUB purchasing efforts in alignment with program goals.
• Maintain compliance with UTMB, state, and federal procurement policies.
• Perform data entry and maintain organized purchasing records.

Skills

Office experience

Procurement basics

MS Office

Order troubleshooting

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Proofreading

Customer service

Problem solving

Telephone etiquette

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Procurement system

Databases/Spreadsheets

Job description

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma and two (2) years of work experience in an office environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in procurement, finance, or administrative support.

Job Summary

The Buyer I supports the procurement of routine goods and services by processing purchase requisitions, issuing purchase orders, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies. This entry-level role provides front-line procurement support and customer service while maintaining accuracy and timeliness in purchasing operations.

Job Duties

• Troubleshoot ordering errors and reprocess appropriately.
• Coordinate with vendors to confirm purchase order receipt, clarify order details, and ensure timely delivery.
• Identify and resolve 2-way/3-way match exceptions involving invoices, purchase orders, and receipts. Add relevant comments to purchase orders and flag anomalies for review or escalation.
• Communicate with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure timely order placement, delivery, and issue resolution.
• Support the institution's Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) purchasing efforts in alignment with program goals.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable UTMB, state, and federal procurement regulations and policies.
• Perform accurate data entry and maintain organized purchasing records and documentation.
• Provide general information and guidance to customers and vendors regarding purchasing procedures and policies.
• Perform administrative support tasks, including answering calls, filing, copying, and maintaining backup documentation.
• Adhere to internal controls and follow established reporting structures.
• Review and process purchase requisitions for routine goods and services, ensuring accuracy and compliance with procurement policies.
• Issue purchase orders using the institution's online procurement system in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and procedures.
• Manage vendor returns as needed.
• Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Basic understanding of procurement and accounting principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to work with databases and spreadsheets.
• Capacity to troubleshoot order discrepancies, resolve supplier issues, and handle unexpected procurement challenges effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple orders and tasks efficiently, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines consistently.
• Clear verbal and written communication to collaborate with vendors, internal stakeholders, and team members, ensuring mutual understanding and timely resolution of issues.
• Attention to detail with strong proofreading skills.
• Problem-solving abilities and sound judgment in resolving basic issues.
• Professional telephone etiquette and customer service mindset.

Salary Range: Actual salary commensurate with experience.

Work Schedule

Partial Remote, onsite a minimum of two days a week. Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and as needed on occasion.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Primary Location

United States-Texas-Webster

Work Locations

0948 -Webster (Clear Lake Ctr)

Job

Supply Chain ManagementRegular

Shift

Standard

Employee Status

Non-Manager

Job Level

Day Shift