Procurement Agent

Penn State University; University Park (IL); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park seeks a Procurement Agent within the Office of Central Procurement to secure goods and services, aligning with policies and regulations while supporting teaching, research, and service missions. The role emphasizes vendor relationship building, spend analysis, and effective negotiation to maximize value.

It also supports a flexible work arrangement blending remote and on-campus duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 1+ year of relevant experience required.
• Ability to analyze spending patterns and negotiate favorable terms.
• Strong negotiation, organization, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Procure goods and services in accordance with university policies.
• Prepare quotes and agreements needed to approve purchase orders up to designated amounts.
• Monitor vendor partnerships to drive cost reductions and value.

Skills

Negotiation

Organization

Customer service

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State seeks a Procurement Agent for the Office of Central Procurement within the Finance and Business Division. Central Procurement has a vision to develop and execute sound business and cost-effective Purchasing solutions to enable the teaching, research, and service mission of the University. This position will procure goods and services in accordance with University polices and government regulations and work collaboratively to analyze spending patterns to leverage buying power, reduce costs, and improve overall purchasing performance by actively negotiating and establishing vendor partnerships. This position serves as liaison with University departments and outside organizations and monitors customer satisfaction.

The Procurement Agent prepares documentation including quotes and agreements needed to approve purchase orders up to a designated amount and reviews and processes annual contracts.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Experience and skills required to be successful in this role:

• Appropriate negotiating skills to achieve optimum price, delivery terms, payment terms, and purchase order terms to deliver best value solutions to the University.

• A high degree of organization and problem-solving skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

• Sound principles of customer satisfaction.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with other units within the University as well as external vendors.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State’s salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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