Procurement Agent - IT Software

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Paid time off (holidays, vacation, and

Sick time and retirement plans

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Procurement Agent- IT Software to support the Central Procurement team. The role involves negotiating with vendors, reviewing IT software purchases, and ensuring contract compliance in line with university policies.

The successful candidate will manage multiple sourcing events, analyze proposals, and coordinate with accounting to resolve invoices while delivering responsive customer service to campus departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of relevant procurement experience.
• Experience negotiating with vendors for price, delivery terms, and payment terms.
• Ability to analyze proposals and manage multiple sourcing events in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate with vendors to optimize price, delivery, payment terms and contracts.
• Review and approve purchases within category; IT Software experience preferred.
• Monitor vendor performance and resolve discrepancies.
• Evaluate suppliers based on price, quality and delivery speed.
• Analyze price proposals and contract terms to determine fair pricing.
• Ensure contract compliance with terms and university policies.
• Coordinate with Accounting to resolve invoice questions.
• Support internal customers with procurement guidance and timely resolution.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Contract compliance

Price analysis

Sourcing events

Customer service

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

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 commodities within the assigned category in accordance with University policies and government regulations with purchase approval limits; conducts competitive Request for Proposal or Request for Quotation processes; negotiates with vendors and evaluates vendor performance and compliance; serves as a liaison with University departments and outside organizations; monitors customer satisfaction and solves problems; 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 Degree 3+ 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 $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.