Buyer

Position Summary

The Buyer Performs purchasing functions for the procurement of materials, goods, supplies, equipment, and services commonly used by the university assisting with both routine and complex transactions and provides technical procurement assistance to all university departments.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Prepares bids, selects qualified potential bidders, solicits bids, evaluates bids to determine responsiveness of vendor and compliance with specifications.
• Reviews requisitions submitted by departments for completeness and compliance.
• Interacts with vendors to resolve problems, gain knowledge of production, lead time, market conditions, pricing, and availability.
• Works with Accounts Payable to maintain accurate vendor records and resolve issues.
• Advises and trains departments on university procurement policy and procedures.
• Performs actions relative to the financial system.
• Investigates using department complaints about goods and services, recommends appropriate action.
• Inspects samples to ensure compliance.
• Manages third party ordering sites.
• Prepares accident report forms for submission.
• Assists with the Purchasing Card program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of purchasing in the public sector is required, knowledge of higher education purchasing is preferred.
• Ability to purchase items of the right quantity and quality, from the right source, in a cost effective and timely manner.
• Basic math and English skills to evaluate bids, reconcile discrepancies, expedite transactions, and to follow up on purchasing matters.
• Organize work and utilize suitable time management techniques to meet critical deadlines.
• Proficiency with MS Suite.
• Ellucian/Colleague product knowledge or experience with enterprise financial software systems is desired.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED is required, Associate degree, or higher, in Business Administration or related field is preferred.
• Equivalent experience and education combination is acceptable.
• Two-years purchasing experience is preferred and higher education degree may be substituted for this experience.
• Certification as a Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Professional Supply Manager (CPSM) is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Light sedentary office work.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Lincoln University is an equal opportunity employer. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Current Openings for Buyer Jobs at Lincoln University of Missouri