Purchasing Intern

WICHITA COMPANY LIMITED; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Wichita’s Finance Department is offering a Purchasing Intern position designed to give hands-on experience in procurement and public finance. You will gain exposure to ERP systems, vendor registrations, data analysis, and policy review while supporting the Purchasing Division.

Ideal candidates are current college students pursuing degrees in business, finance, or related fields, with a willingness to learn and an ability to balance academic commitments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six months of office support, administrative, data entry, or recordkeeping experience.
• Six months of ERP or CRM systems experience to enter or maintain information.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Passing scores on pre-employment tests: Basic Office Skills, Excel Normal User, Word Normal User.

Responsibilities

• Compile information, records, and perform data entry/clerical tasks for the Purchasing Office.
• Assist with ERP Vendor Self Service (VSS) registration efforts and outreach to vendors.
• Coordinate and assist with vendor registration processes to ensure accurate information.
• Assist with scanning, filing, and retention of COI records.
• Attend meetings with management and support policy/process improvements.

Skills

Communication skills

Data entry

Analytical thinking

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Enrollment in college/university (business/finance/public administration/supply chain)

Tools

Microsoft Excel 2013 - Normal User

Microsoft Word 2013 - Normal User

ERP systems

CRM systems

Job description

Distinguishing Features of Work

Kickstart your career in procurement and public finance with the Purchasing Intern position at the City of Wichita’s Finance Department. As an intern, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in a fast-paced, real‑world environment, working closely with experienced professionals in the Purchasing Division. You’ll be involved in meaningful work, from assisting vendors and managing registration processes to conducting research and analyzing data. This is more than just administrative support - this is an opportunity to grow your skills in procurement, policy review, and process improvement. You’ll also have the chance to provide impactful recommendations that help shape the future of the City’s purchasing operations.

Work assignments are tailored to your educational background and skill level, ensuring you’ll learn and grow while contributing to the success of the team. With a flexible schedule that accommodates your academic commitments, this is the perfect opportunity to gain experience while still focusing on your studies.

This Is a Limited Part‑time Intern Position (no Benefits)

Workdays and Hours

Work will be between the hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday‑Friday) for an average of 16 hours per week.

Schedule is flexible based on the student’s availability. We encourage students to prioritize their studies and request extended short-term leave in advance whenever needed.

The internship period will not exceed one (1) year but is renewable.

Bargaining Unit: No Union Representation

Examples of Work Performed

• Compiles information, records, and completes data entry/clerical functions for the Purchasing Office on a variety of items.
• Performs intern‑level work assigned by the Finance Department/Purchasing Division.
• Oversee Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software Vendor Self Service (VSS) registration efforts
  • Contacts potential vendors by variety of means for the purposes of increased City vendor registration efforts.
  • Assists vendors with registration efforts to ensure accuracy and completeness of information.
  • Reviews large amounts of data to identify, coordinate, and organize community outreach efforts.
• Assists with Scanning, Filing, and Oversight of Certificate of Insurance (COI) record retention efforts.
• Attends meetings in conjunction with management.
• May review, update, and suggest changes to operations policies and procedures. Once approved by management, may assist in the implementation.
• May review processes and provide recommendations.
• May work in conjunction with the Purchasing Manager or other Division managers.
• Completion of work assignments may require operation of a vehicle.
• These examples are not intended to be all‑inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements of Work

• Level of knowledge appropriate to the work being assigned.
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information.
• May require ability to research, analyze, summarize and report findings.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of other organizations, and/or the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas Driver’s License.
• An employee will not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Experience and Training

Required Experience And Training

• High school diploma.
• Six (6) months of experience performing office support, administrative, customer service, data entry, or recordkeeping duties.
• Six (6) months of computerized business, financial, purchasing, enterprise resource planning (ERP), or customer relationship management (CRM) systems to enter, retrieve, update, or maintain information.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship.
• Attainment of passing scores on pre‑employment tests. Candidates with the required experience and training will be required to take the following assessments:
  • Basic Office Skills
  • Microsoft Excel 2013 - Normal User
  • Microsoft Word 2013 - Normal User

Preferred Experience And Training

• Current enrollment in a college or university pursuing a degree in business administration, finance, public administration, supply chain management or purchasing.
• One year of experience in customer service, vendor coordination, or procurement‑related tasks in an office setting, including handling inquiries, resolving issues, and facilitating transactions with internal and external stakeholders.

Offers of employment will be made contingent upon passing a pre‑employment physical, which will include drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a police records check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlen.pdf

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf

Limited positions are not eligible for benefits.