Procurement Associate

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Vision coverage

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA seeks a detail-oriented Procurement Associate to join the Office of Central Procurement. The role focuses on handling procurement transactions, reviewing requisitions, and processing purchase orders with various suppliers for university departments.

You will verify fair pricing, document files per university policies, and assist in vendor research and negotiations while ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication
• Excellent customer service
• Confidentiality regarding sensitive documents
• Multitask effectively and meet deadlines
• Make sound decisions
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• High level of accuracy in work

Responsibilities

• Prepare, edit, and process purchase orders within established dollar limits and University policy
• Contact vendors for quotations and follow up on outstanding POs
• Ensure all transactions meet government regulations and University policies
• Assist Procurement Managers with vendor research and negotiations
• Use electronic systems to manage documents, vendor data, and payments
• Identify and resolve discrepancies; obtain vendor certifications when required
• Assist in monitoring internal and external customer satisfaction
• May perform general office duties (mail, phones, visitors)

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Decision making

Organization

Attention to detail

Education

GED or High School diploma

Tools

Procurement software

Vendor management systems

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 Office of Central Procurement at Penn State seeks a detail-oriented Procurement Associate to join our team. This position plays an essential role in handling procurement transactions and supporting various procurement processes across the University.

Procurement Associate reviews, prepares, verifies and approves purchase requisitions within established dollar limits and guidelines in the University system in order to process purchase orders to various suppliers for departments; verifies fair and reasonable pricing and documents purchase order files in accordance with University policies and procedures; corresponds with suppliers and customers to solve problems, share information, and ensure accurate payment.

• Prepare, edit, and process purchase orders within establish dollar limits and University policy
• Contact vendors and suppliers for quotations, and follow up on outstanding purchase orders
• Ensure all transactions meet government regulations and University policies and procedures
• Assist Procurement Managers and Agents with vendor research and negotiations; obtain information on price, delivery, payment, specifications, and purchase order terms
• Use a variety of electronic systems and databases to import and create documents, track vendor information and payments, create auctions, compose correspondence, create and process purchase orders, requests for proposal, and various financial transactions
• Identify and resolve discrepancies; obtain vendor certifications and certificates of liability insurance when required
• Assist in monitoring internal and external customer satisfaction
• May perform general office duties such as mail distribution, answering phones and greeting visitors

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:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate with coworkers within and outside of the Procurement unit
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive documents and situations
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• Effective decision-making skills
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving abilities
• High level of accuracy in work and attention to detail

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)No prior relevant work experience requiredRequired 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 $36,888.00 - $53,532.00.

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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