IT Buyer

Uasys; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock IT Services is seeking an IT Buyer to support university-wide IT spend, ensuring cost efficiency and compliance with state and university policies.

As an embedded buyer within IT, you will work with staff and vendors, manage bids, contracts, and procurements, and help drive continuous improvement through data analytics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Technology, or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Three (3) to four (4) years of experience in procurement, contract administration, or a related field applicable to IT acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Process IT-related requisitions into purchase orders and attends technical approval workflows.
• Prepare specifications for bids as directed; manages bid openings, evaluations, and vendor selection based on best value and delivery requirements.
• Review and/or manage the lifecycle of IT-related SPCs and service agreements; monitors contract balances and processes necessary amendments or renewals.
• Work closely with University staff and faculty to define product requirements and evaluate cost-saving alternatives for software licenses, hardware, and cloud solutions.
• Maintain relationships with vendors and Value Added Resellers (VARs) to obtain quotes and develop specifications for technical products.
• Expedite and review purchase order invoices; maintains accurate procurement records and documentation for all related IT purchases.
• Assist in the deployment of IT-specific procurement directives to ensure consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Provide a people-first customer service approach that is dedicated to continuous improvement through technology, lean process implementation, data analytics, and other industry best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Financial analysis

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/IT or related field

Equivalent professional experience

Tools

Workday

ServiceNow

Job description

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Jobs for Students". All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.

Type of Position: Professional Staff - Project/Program Administration

Workstudy Position: No

Job Type: Regular

Sponsorship Available: No

Institution Name: University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

Department: IT Procurement

Summary of Job Duties: The IT Buyer is a key member of the University's IT Services team, providing tactical procurement support to achieve reliable, cost-efficient, and timely acquisition of goods and services. Functioning as an embedded buyer within IT Services, this position caters to campus-wide IT spend while ensuring strict compliance with state and university purchasing laws and institutional policies. This position is governed by state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Qualifications:

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Technology, or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Three (3) to four (4) years of experience in procurement, contract administration, or a related field applicable to IT acquisition.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process IT-related requisitions into purchase orders and attends technical approval workflows;
• Prepare specifications for bids as directed; manages bid openings, evaluations, and vendor selection based on best value and delivery requirements;
• Review and/or manage the lifecycle of IT-related Supplier Contracts (SPCs) and service agreements; monitors contract balances and processes necessary amendments or renewals;
• Work closely with University staff and faculty to define product requirements and evaluate cost-saving alternatives for software licenses, hardware, and cloud solutions;
• Maintain relationships with vendors and Value Added Resellers (VARs) to obtain quotes and develop specifications for technical products;
• Expedite and review purchase order invoices; maintains accurate procurement records and documentation for all related IT purchases;
• Assist in the deployment of IT-specific procurement directives to ensure consistent application of policies and procedures;
• Provide a people-first customer service approach that is dedicated to continuous improvement through technology, lean process implementation, data analytics, and other industry best practices;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of state and university purchasing laws and regulations;
• Knowledge of purchasing principles, procedures, and methods;
• Knowledge of IT industry trends, software licensing models (SaaS), and hardware lifecycle management;
• Ability to operate effectively within automated procurement systems (Workday) and service management platforms (ServiceNow);
• Strong business acumen and the ability to interpret complex state purchasing laws and university regulations;
• Ability to research and draft clear, concise, and competitive purchasing specifications and evaluate product acceptability and/or quality;
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations;
• Ability to analyze financial records and prepare reports;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to provide assistance and clarifications to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Additional Information:

Salary Information: $45,000

Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Recruitment Contact Information: Nancy Riethoff, IT Procurement Specialist, [e-mail]

Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity: Sitting, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity: Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting

Occasional Physical Activity: N/A

Benefits Eligible: Yes