Senior Buyer

The University Of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago seeks a Procurement Specialist to manage contracting for construction and services. The role involves negotiating contracts, advising departments, and ensuring compliance with procurement guidelines. Candidates should have significant experience in procurement and strong communication skills.

Benefits

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of work experience in procurement.
• Experience in managing multiple complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for procurement and contracting of construction and professional services.
• Negotiates contracts and provides procurement advice to departments.
• Manages RFQ/P/I processes and evaluates supplier quotations.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Attention to detail

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, purchasing, materials management, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Access

Job description

Department

F&A FIN - Facilities Procurement and Economic Impact

About the Department

Procurement Services strives to assimilate knowledge and experience, both within and outside of the University, on the materials or equipment to be purchased and the sources from which they may be obtained. It is our goal to conduct all activities in the best interest of the University, while simultaneously creating and maintaining quality relationships with our suppliers. Providing these services, in accordance with sound business and procurement practices, Procurement Services seeks to realize for the University, the maximum value for every dollar expended and excellence in its administrative processes.

Job Summary

This position will be responsible primarily for the procurement and contracting of construction, professional services such as architectural / engineering services, facility maintenance services and materials, and other services as assigned. Candidates for this position must be experienced working in a fast-paced environment where he/she must manage multiple complex projects concurrently and have an aptitude for communicating with diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Effectively communicates and provides specialized procurement advice, coordination, direction, and service to University departments that are involved in the planning of procurement activities.
• Performs the analysis, documentation, and recommendation of large dollar purchase requests.
• Reviews and revises simple to moderately complex contracts.
• Performs final commitment action for procurements under standard procedures of University practices including requirements and guidelines imposed by city, state, and federal regulations.
• Evaluates and processes contract requests, examining the request for clarity, appropriateness of purchase, and bid specifications. Determines client expectations, develops timelines that satisfy the purchase requirements and clarifies scope of work documents.
• Negotiates contracts including business, legal, commercial terms and conditions including construction, architecture/engineering services, MRO services and supplies, and other commodities and services as assigned.
• Advises and directs departments as appropriate to the use of University strategic and preferred supplier contracts. Advises clients in the formulation of bid specifications.
• Manages the Request for Quotations/Proposal/Information (RFQ/P/I) process when appropriate or required by procurement guidelines.
• Assists in the evaluation of supplier quotations/proposals and facilitates supplier selection.
• Works closely with the procurement supervisor and other procurement leadership to develop and implement procurement initiatives that improve procurement processes, increase contract compliance, and reduce purchase and invoice transactions.
• Analyzes commodity spend to identify industry and/or procurement trends.
• Promotes and participates in diversity supplier development initiatives related to assigned commodity and socially responsible purchasing initiatives.
• Leads procurement staff in the operations related to purchase activities.
• Assists higher level purchasing staff and mentors junior level staff with projects and initiatives.
• Collaborates with Business Diversity Manager in efforts to include M/WBE firms in University contracting opportunities.
• Develops cost containment initiatives and provides continuous maintenance of processes and systems in support of procurement needs.
• Evaluates and recommends approvals for utilization plans. Implements the evaluation process which includes a desk audit review of documentation submitted by contractors.
• Works independently with internal and external clients. Uses best practices and in-depth knowledge to review and monitors the goals and objectives of the Finance and Administration department to ensure the monthly, quarterly, and annual goals are achieved.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business, purchasing, materials management, or a related field.
• Completion of Certified Purchasing Management courses.

Experience:

• Five years of experience in direct, independent procurement and expertise in handling procurement specific concerns of users and suppliers related to commodities and services.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Significant knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access and comparative data analysis software.
• Develop and draft a Scope of Work.
• Review and modify supplier terms and conditions of an agreement and its quotations.

Preferred Competencies

• Considerable skill in identifying and solving purchasing and associated invoice and contract issues.
• Attention to detail in documentation and transaction accuracy.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated negotiation skills.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3) (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$73,100.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in theBenefits Guidebook .

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu .Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

About Us

The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world.

We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.