Buyer 1 or 2

Louisiana State University

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

BUYER 1 Job Summary: Responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies from suppliers. Evaluates supplier quotes and services to determine most desirable suppliers. Issues bids and awards contracts within dollar limitations assigned by purchasing authority in support of institution or agency-wide purchasing activities or on behalf of client agencies for designated buying areas; Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within an office setting. Demonstrated experience and ability to coordinate multiple projects and work under pressure to meet deadlines. Relies on instructions and per-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements with the possibility of hybrid and remote work within the State of Louisiana.

BUYER 2 Job Summary: Plans, coordinates & performs procurement of services, supplies, materials, parts & equip for the University and/or other system campuses in accordance with state laws & requirements through journeyman level duties. Evaluates supplier quotes & resolves supplier issues. Familiar with standard concepts, practices & procedures within procurement field. Relies on limited supervision to plan/accomplish goals. Conducts purchasing projects for specialized commodity areas. Develops specs, analyzes bids for purchase contracts & procurement of products, & makes award based on specific criteria. Differs from Buyer I by the presence of bidding responsibility that involves greater scope and complexity ( such as RFPs & complex ITBs ). This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements with the possibility of hybrid and remote work within the State of Louisiana.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 0-2 years of experience in Purchasing, Business or related field.
• LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.
• Bachelor's degree with 3 or more years of experience in Purchasing, Business or related field.
• LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in supply chain management with at least 1 year of experience. Specific Purchasing experience in college/ university or state government setting; working knowledge of state statutes and State Purchasing rules & regulations.
• Master's degree with at least 1 year of experience. Specific Purchasing experience in college/ university or state government setting; working knowledge of state statutes and State Purchasing rules & regulations.
• Competency in PC based office software; excellent communication & organizational skills.
• Physical ability & eye-hand coordination necessary to use a computer terminal, calculator, copier, telephone & other office equipment; ability to sit in the same position for extended periods (3.5 to 4 hours) at a time using continuous hand motions when entering data into the computer system; overtime may be required during the fiscal year end process or during peak work periods.
• Competency in PC based office software; excellent communication & organizational skills.
• Physical ability & eye-hand coordination necessary to use a computer terminal, calculator, copier, telephone & other office equipment; ability to sit in the same position for extended periods (3.5 to 4 hours) at a time using continuous hand motions when entering data into the computer system; overtime may be required during the fiscal year end process or during peak work periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepares & awards bids & non-competitive purchase orders for a variety of goods & services needed/used by LSU, as well as maintenance contracts & repairs on same. Determines appropriate course of action/procurement methodology including, but not limited to, competitive bids, sole source acquisitions, RFPs, direct negotiations, etc. Reviews and prioritizes dept requisitions/requests in accordance with approved guidelines; initiates change-orders; identifies proper commodity code(s) for requisitioned items. Troubleshoots order issues with suppliers. Reviews & negotiates agreements & contracts and prepares for Asst, Assoc. or AVP's signature.
• Monitors contracts for compliance with Federal, State & University rules & regulations & guidelines. Performs an audit function to insure compliance with purchasing rules & regulations by user departments. Maintains records, prepares reports and/or correspondence related to contracts. Purchase order approval authority up to $50,000.
• Provides close regulatory supervision over departments by providing direction, training & guidance to department personnel in problem resolution concerning contracts or projects & explanation of current procurement laws, policies & procedures which includes reviewing decisions, countersigning decisions, rejecting inaccurate decisions, and requiring deadlines & priorities.
• Participates in pre-bid conferences with the user departments & supplier community for the purpose of gaining both end-user & supplier input, explaining bid & contract requirements & correcting possible ambiguities.
• Participates in planning, organizing & conducting workshops & seminars to inform University personnel of the proper procedures for contracts.
• Assists Assistant/Associate Directors and/or AVP of Procurement & Property Management on specific projects and other contracts as directed.
• Researches for new sources of supply; locates and contacts suppliers; communicates with suppliers to stay current with industry developments. Performs other duties as required.
• Reviews, examines and determines need for (and adequacy of) requisitioned items and approves requests and/or makes appropriate recommendation to purchase. Determines that specs are adequate. prepares and awards bids & non-competitive purchase orders for a variety of goods/services needed by LSU. Negotiates services, base agreements and contracts. Determines appropriate course of action/procurement methodology including, but not limited to, competitive bids, sole source acquisitions, RFPs, etc. Performs duties of Buyer I. Reviews & negotiates agreements and contracts and prepares for Asst., Assoc. or AVP's signature.
• Performs both mathematical and subjective analysis and decision-making through the presence of journeyman level procurement duties. Monitors contracts for compliance with Federal, State and University riles, regulations, guidelines and revised statutes. Reviews and negotiates agreements and contracts and prepares for Asst, Assoc or AVP's signature. Maintains records, prepares reports and/or correspondence related to contracts. Purchase order approval authority up to $75,000.
• Provides oral and written interpretation of laws, rules, regulations, policies, standards and procedures to agency personnel and suppliers. Provides close regulatory supervision over departments by providing direction, training and guidance to department personnel in problem resolution concerning contracts or projects and explanation of current laws, policies and procedures which includes reviewing decisions, countersigning decisions, rejecting inaccurate decisions, and requiring deadlines and priorities. Key player in training of Buyer I role.
• Participates in pre-bid conferences with the user departments and vendor community for the purpose of gaining both end-user and supplier input, explaining bid and contract requirements and correcting possible ambiguities. Participates in planning, organizing and conducting workshops and seminars to inform University personnel of the proper procedures for contracts. Participates in the development of procurement policies and procedures.
• Assists Assistant/Associate Directors and/or AVP of Procurement and Property Management on specific projects and other contracts as directed.
• Researches for new sources of supply; locates and contacts vendors and suppliers; communicates with suppliers to stay current with industry developments. Performs other duties as required.

Benefits

• LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level