Senior Buyer

Texas Southern University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 81,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Southern University in Houston is seeking a Senior Buyer to administer complex procurement activities supporting the university's academic, research, and administrative operations. You will develop solicitation documents, conduct competitive procurements, evaluate proposals, negotiate pricing, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.

The role requires reviewing purchase requests, selecting procurement methods, issuing orders, and managing contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business admin, supply chain, public administration, finance, or related field.
• Experience in procurement, contract management, or purchasing preferred.
• Knowledge of procurement regulations and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Administer complex procurement activities for university operations.
• Develop solicitations (ITB, RFP, RFQ), conduct competitive procurements, evaluate proposals, negotiate pricing and contract terms.
• Review department purchase requests for accuracy and compliance, issue purchase orders, and ensure timely procurement and payment.

Skills

Detail oriented

Customer service

Problem solving

Multitasking

Analytical

Communication (verbal & written)

Interpersonal & organizational

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field

Tools

Banner

Microsoft Office

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Communication Guidelines for Status Updates

To help our team work efficiently and provide timely service to everyone, we kindly ask that candidates refrain from calling the department for routine status updates regarding requests, applications, or ongoing matters.

Our team processes inquiries, we do not hire for them. Only the hiring department hires and reviews candidates in the order they are received.
Frequent status calls may delay response times by reducing the time available to complete pending work.

If additional information or documentation is required, a member of the hiring team will contact you directly.
If you are chosen for the position, you will be notified through the appropriate communication channel.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to serve all employees fairly and efficiently.

Thank you for your understanding and support

Title Information

Security Sensitive Position?

Security Sensitive Position? Yes

Hours of Work

Hours of Work 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM M-F

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number TSU203783

Official TSU Title Senior Buyer

Grant Title N/A

Job Description Summary / TWC Summary

Under general supervision, the Senior Buyer is responsible for administering complex
procurement activities in support of the University’s academic, research, and administrative
operations. The incumbent manages the acquisition of goods and services by developing
solicitation documents, conducting competitive procurements, evaluating vendor proposals,
negotiating pricing and contract terms, and administering purchasing transactions in compliance
with applicable federal, state, local, and University policies, procedures, and regulations.
The Senior Buyer performs advanced purchasing functions involving the procurement of
commodities, equipment, professional services, and other contractual services through
competitive and non-competitive procurement methods. Responsibilities include reviewing
departmental purchase requests for accuracy and compliance, determining the appropriate
procurement method, issuing purchase orders, conducting formal and informal solicitations,
negotiating with vendors, and ensuring economical and timely procurement while achieving best
value for the University.

• Analyzes requirements for difficult and complex procurements and recommends the
  appropriate procurement method (sealed bid, competitive proposal, or other authorized
  procurement methods).
• Reviews and edits specifications received from university departments; prepares
  Invitations to Bid ( ITB ), Requests for Proposals ( RFP ), Requests for Qualifications ( RFQ ),
  and other solicitation documents.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for procurement and contract inquiries and issues
  solicitation amendments as needed.
• Research and evaluates vendors to determine their ability to provide quality goods and
  services that meet university specifications and standards.
• Conducts price analyses using historical pricing, independent estimates, market research,
  and other evaluation criteria; prepares award recommendations and supporting
  justifications.
• The position is responsible for reviewing and administering contracts, monitoring vendor
  performance, maintaining official contract files, and ensuring all procurement
  documentation is complete to facilitate timely payment processing and audit compliance.
• The Senior Buyer also serves as a procurement advisor to university departments by
  providing guidance on procurement regulations, contract requirements, purchasing
  procedures, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Negotiates contract terms and conditions consistent with applicable procurement laws
  and university policies.
• Provides liaison and coordination between university departments and vendors to ensure
  compliance with contract specifications and timely resolution of procurement and
  payment issues.
• The Senior Buyer performs complex administrative and programmatic responsibilities in
  support of the University’s Veteran Heroes United in Business ( VETHUB ) Program,
  including coordinating outreach efforts, maintaining program documentation, assisting
  veteran-owned businesses with procurement opportunities, monitoring participation,
  and supporting initiatives that promote supplier diversity and veteran business
  engagement.
• Research industry trends, supplier capabilities, and market conditions to identify
  procurement opportunities and best practices.
• Monitors Interlocal Agreements and Cooperative Purchasing Agreements to maximize
  procurement efficiency and cost savings.
• Assists in developing and delivering procurement training for university departments and
  serves in the absence of the Purchasing Manager or Purchasing Supervisor as needed.
• The Senior Buyer exercises sound judgment maintains the highest standards of ethical
  and professional conduct and contributes to the continuous improvement of
  procurement processes while ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with
  all applicable purchasing regulations.
• Conducts public pre-bid/proposal/quote conferences and serves as facilitator for evaluation meetings; performs detailed analysis of bids/proposals to determine responsiveness to the solicitation; evaluates bidder responsibility based on financial stability and previous contract performance.
• Conducts pre-award survey and price analysis by comparing bids with historical pricing information, independent estimates, and other factors; recommends award of contract to the responsive and responsible bidder, including any necessary justification for not recommending the lowest bid in some cases; and performs post-award evaluations.
• Provides independent liaison and coordination between departments and vendors to ensure compliance with contract specifications and resolution of problems and payment issues, arbitrate claims or complaints occurring in performance of contracts.
• Researches and stays current on industry standards, types, features and quality of products, suppliers and other information by reviewing catalogs, technical and industrial publications and other resources.
• Monitors Inter-local Agreements and Cooperative Purchasing Agreements with other public entities for goods and services. conducts public bid opening and teaches purchasing policies and procedures classes in the absence of the Purchasing Manager and Purchasing Supervisor.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

% FTE

1.0

Hiring Range

Hiring Range $80,870.19-$103,109.49

Education

Preferred
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Public
Administration, Finance, or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.

Required Licensing/Certification

Required:
Certified Texas Contract Manager ( CTCM ) certification and/or Certified Texas Contract Developer ( CTCD ) certification, or ability to obtain an applicable certification within a timeframe established by the University.
Preferred:

• Either, CPPB , CPPO , CPM , CPSM , or other
  recognized procurement certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State, Local, and County laws.
• Policies, procedures, and practices.
• Requires full/complete knowledge in multiple disciplines and serves as an ultimate subject matter expert in at least one discipline or function. Demonstrates full command of technical and functional principles, procedures, and subject matter in multiple disciplines to handle any situation and lead or train others. Requires the ability to lead the development or modification of work procedures across multiple disciplines.
• Banner and other job‑related software systems.
• Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications.

Skill In:

• Detail oriented.
• Effective customer service.
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making.
• Multitasking and time management.
• Strong analytical.
• Interpersonal and organizational.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Analyze and interpret data.
• Use other job‑related software and systems.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment or water treatment system.

Work Experience

None Required

Working/Environmental Conditions

Routine office environment.
Sitting or standing in one location much of the time.
Some stooping, lifting or carrying objects lightweight may be required.
Use of video display terminal.

Position End Date (if temporary)

UA EEO Statement

It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Manual of Administrative Policies and Procedures

Open Until Filled (overrides close field)

Open Until Filled (overrides close field) No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants Open to all applicants.

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have one of the following certification: CPPB, CPPO, CTPM, CTCM or CPM?
  • Yes
  • No