Purchasing Agent II

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University is seeking a Purchasing Agent II to join the Purchasing and Contract Services team. This role coordinates the procurement of goods, services, and equipment in line with institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and funding source requirements.

It also drives cost savings through strategic sourcing and supplier diversity. The position supports departments from requisition through contract, ensuring efficient, ethical purchasing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and three years of relevant experience.
• Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience.

Responsibilities

• Procure goods and services on a competitive basis by preparing solicitation documents.
• Collaborate with campus departments to define performance measures and award criteria.
• Develop RFx documentation and build KSU Bid Portal projects for solicitations addressing security, accessibility, and PCI requirements.
• Guide departments through procurement lifecycle from requisition to contract execution.
• Coordinate with campus purchasing liaisons to identify needs and ensure accurate specifications.
• Assist IT and Risk teams by facilitating reviews and gathering information on security and PCI compliance.
• Represent procurement in meetings with vendors, government agencies, and professional groups.
• Provide training on procurement policies and processes to campus stakeholders.

Skills

Contract language comprehension

Verbal & written communication

Data analysis & reporting

Creative problem solving

Self-directed team player

Education

Bachelor's Degree and 3 years of relevant experience

Bachelor's Degree in MIS / Supply Chain / Accounting / Business Admin

Job description

About This Role

The University is seeking a Purchasing Agent II to join our Purchasing and Contract Services team. This position is responsible for coordinating and executing the procurement of goods, services, and equipment in compliance with institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and funding source requirements. In addition to managing day-to-day purchasing activities, the Purchasing Agent II plays a key role in strategic sourcing efforts that leverage the university's buying power, promote supplier diversity, and drive cost savings. The position also serves as a resource to departments, ensuring efficient, ethical, and cost-effective purchasing practices that support the university's mission.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Uses professional judgment to determine when competition is required. Procures goods and services on a competitive basis by compiling and refining solicitation specifications, researching and identifying potential sources, and preparing formal solicitation documents.
• Collaborates with campus departments and key experts on defining required performance measures and award criteria.
• Develop RF(x) documentation and build KSU Bid Portal projects for solicitations that clearly address minimum required security, accessibility, and PCI requirements.
• Guides departments through procurement lifecycle process, from requisition to execution of contract.
• Work with campus purchasing liaisons to identify key needs and requirements and ensure they are clearly identified in specifications and addressed in final award.
• Facilitate required campus reviews including the IT Technical and Risk & Compliance reviews. Gather key information and provide to IT and Risk experts, serving as the key liaison between the vendor and KSU. Includes gathering of information related to security, ADA accommodation and PCI compliance requirements.
• Represents the procurement organization in meetings and/or committees with vendors, government agencies, professional associations and other organizations.
• Conducts outreach with the campus community by providing training regarding procurement policies and processes.

About Us

The Division of Financial Services at Kansas State University supports the university's mission of teaching, research, and service by providing strategic financial leadership, stewardship, and operational excellence. As part of Kansas State University, our team partners with campus units to deliver high-quality services in shared services financial and budgeting support, accounting, financial reporting, procurement, travel, and compliance. We are committed to integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement, leveraging data, technology, and collaborative relationships to ensure responsible resource management and an exceptional service experience for the K-State community.

Worksite Description

Hybrid eligible. This position is hybrid eligible; however, the first 90 days are required to be 100% on-site. After that period, hybrid eligibility may be granted based on individual performance, with a requirement of three days on-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and three years of relevant experience.
• Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Business Administration or closely related field
• Prior experience in a higher education institution
• Ability to read and comprehend contract language; University, Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) policies and procedures and State statutes, Uniform Guidance policies, and technical jargon in specifications and contracts.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing detailed reports of findings and recommendations.
• Experience analyzing and reporting data
• Creative Problem Solver
• Self-Directed Team Player

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Application Window

Applications close on:09/09/2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$54,000 - $65,000/annually