Senior Buyer

Oakland University; Rochester (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland University in Rochester, MI seeks a Senior Buyer to procure goods and services for the University’s Schools, Colleges, and Departments, with a focus on technical buys for engineering and technology services.

The role manages requisitions, purchase orders, and competitive bidding (RFPs/RFQs/RFIs), researches vendors, and leads cost-saving initiatives. Training and ERP reporting are also key duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in supply chain management, business or related field.
• Two years in public procurement and five years in progressively responsible purchasing.
• Knowledge of purchasing principles, ethics and public purchasing policies.
• Knowledge of accounting functions as they relate to purchasing and purchase orders.
• ERP experience; Banner preferred.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Procure goods and services for Oakland University and manage requisitions and purchase orders.
• Conduct RFPs, RFQs and RFIs, and oversee construction bids.
• Research new vendors and preferred sourcing opportunities; make cost-saving recommendations.
• Provide training to Buyers and departments as needed in the absence of the Director of Purchasing.
• Complete ERP testing, printing requisitions/POs, and develop Argos reports for purchasing.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

ERP proficiency

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in supply chain management or related field

Tools

ERP system (Banner)

Argos reports (purchasing)

Job description

Position Information

Position Purpose: To support the education, research and teaching objectives of the University, the Senior Buyer procures goods and services for various Schools, Colleges and Departments, which includes technical buying for engineering and technology services. While ensuring the best possible price, quality and service for university community is received, the Buyer reviews submitted Requisitions (REQs) verifying purchasing procedures are followed. The Senior Buyer provides value added services including requisition (REQ) approval and Purchase Order (PO) processing, conducting Request for Proposals (RFP), Quotes (RFQ) and Information (RFI), and Construction Bids, researching new vendors and preferred sourcing opportunities, resulting in vendor or commodity specific recommendations, cost savings and problem resolution. The Senior Buyer provides training to the Buyers and departments as needed in the absence of the Director of Purchasing. The Senior Buyer completes all testing of the ERP system, the functions of printing requisitions and purchase orders and developing Argos reports for purchasing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in supply chain management, business or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in and five years of progressively responsible public procurement experience.
• Knowledge of purchasing principles and ethics.
• Must have knowledge of public purchasing, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Accounting functions as they relate to purchasing and purchase orders.
• Advanced technical skills, experience and adaptability utilizing an ERP system, Microsoft office suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Google Docs, Gmail and Adobe Pro.
• ERP experience is necessary.
• Banner is preferred.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

For the work sample, provide a sample RFP you have completed for a technical software or SaaS system. In addition to the sample, describe how you managed the RFP process from development of the RFP and scope of work through award.

Desired Qualifications

• Seven plus years of progressively responsible public procurement experience.
• Preferred higher education experience.
• Advanced knowledge of purchasing principles and ethics, technical skills, highly efficient savings and negotiation skills.

All Qualifications: Unless otherwise required by an applicable collective bargaining agreement, all minimum, additional and desired qualifications are preferred, but qualifications, degrees, and/or experience deemed comparable and/or equivalent by Oakland University in its sole and exclusive discretion may be considered.

Work Schedule

Full‑time position working Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. First consideration will be given to those who apply by June 23, 2026.

Job Open Date: 06/09/2026