Procurement Agent - IT Software

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Procurement Agent- IT Software within the Office of Central Procurement. The role focuses on negotiating with vendors, evaluating IT software purchases, and ensuring compliance with university policies and government regulations.

The position offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement combining remote and on-campus work at University Park, with a strong emphasis on sourcing events, contract management, and stakeholder collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Ability to analyze price proposals and contracts.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with IT software purchases is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate with vendors to improve price, delivery, payment, contract terms and best value solutions.
• Evaluate, review, and approve purchases within the category; IT Software experience ideal.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure compliance; resolve discrepancies.
• Assess suppliers based on price, quality, and delivery speed of products/services.
• Analyze price proposals and financial data to determine reasonable prices.
• Monitor contracts to ensure vendors comply with terms and university policy.
• Coordinate with Accounting to resolve invoice questions.
• Provide responsive, consultative customer service and procurement guidance.
• Utilize electronic systems to manage requisitions, auctions, vendors and inventories.

Skills

Negotiation

Organization

Problem-solving

Communication

Vendor management

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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State Office of Central Procurement team is searching for a Procurement Agent- IT Software. 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.

The Procurement Agent purchases commoditieswithin the assigned categoryin accordance withUniversitypolicies and government regulationswith purchase approval limits; conducts competitive Request for Proposal or Request for Quotationprocesses;negotiates with vendors and evaluates vendor performance and compliance; serves as a liaison withUniversitydepartments and outside organizations; monitors customer satisfaction and solvesproblems; uses electronic systems to conduct business transactions and compile information; and reviews, evaluates and/or manages contracts. The IT Software category team manages more than $80 million in annual spend and processes up to 5,000 purchasing transactions each year.

The successful candidate will:

• Negotiate with vendors as it relates to price, delivery, payment, contracts and agreements, specifications, and purchase order terms to increase buying power
• Evaluate, review, and approvepurchases within the assigned category; previous experience within IT Software is ideal
• Monitor vendor performance and compliance, resolve discrepancies
• Evaluate suppliers based on the price, quality, and speed of delivery of their products and services
• Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other information to determine reasonable prices
• Monitor contracts to be sure that vendors comply with the terms and conditions of the contract and University policy
• Coordinate with the Accounting department as required to resolve questions on invoices
• Monitor customer satisfaction through exchanging information and solving problems
• May utilize a variety of electronic systems to manage requisitions, conduct auctions, and manage vendors and/or inventories
• Provide responsive, consultative customer service by understanding customer needs, offering procurement guidance, and resolving issues in a timely manner.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work at the University Park campus. 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 and 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.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively communicate procurement processes, provide guidance and training, and lead internal teams and suppliers through sourcing events.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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 $59,580.00 - $86,400.00.

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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