Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Procures equipment, supplies and services for assigned area and in accordance with University guidelines as well as state and federal procurement laws. Reviews requisitions and bid specifications and negotiates purchase agreements or supply contracts. Determines supplier sources, product needs and availability.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Knowledge of purchasing and contracting policies, laws and regulations as well as demonstrated human relations and effective communications skills also required.

May require 1-2 years' experience in a purchasing related area.

Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification may also be preferred in some areas.

Procurement experience for a public entity or in a hospital setting may also be preferred in some areas.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Reviews and analyzes purchase requisitions, contracts and ensures they are in accordance with relevant laws, policies and requirements.
2. Coordinates with internal and external customers to identify needs and refine specifications.
3. Determines method to process requisition based on cost, time constraints, existing open contracts and/or competitive bidding.
4. Identifies and selects suppliers, conducts procurement processes, negotiates prices, terms and delivery methods for assigned area of procurement.
5. Meets with sales representatives to develop new vendor sources, updates records and secures demos for departments.
6. Works with suppliers and internal customers to ensure service or equipment needs are met.
7. May independently develop and write Request for Proposals (RFP), Requests for Quotes (RFQ) and formal bids.
8. May hire and supervise subordinate staff.
9. May perform related financial functions.
10. May be responsible for preparing, overseeing and providing documents for audit purposes.

Problem Solving

Challenges faced by the incumbent include coordinating with requesting departments, receiving personnel, vendors and accounts payable personnel to resolve problems with prices, product availability, product quality and delivery. The incumbent ensures that requesting departments adhere to procurement policy and procedure. The incumbent researches the status of ordered items and expedites urgent requests. Complex problems or unique situations that arise are coordinated with the department associate director or senior buyer.

Comments

Guidelines have been established for two Buyer levels. Please contact Human Resources for appropriate details regarding the levels.

The Buyer is distinguished from the Sr. Buyer in that the Buyer position will have set perimeters of authority. Assigned areas are less complex and narrower in scope. Negotiations and RFP's may be performed with some supervision and the scope of the purchases and projects will be smaller than those assigned to the Sr. Buyer.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.