Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Independently reviews, coordinates and determines course of action for high level, complex Requests for Proposal’s (RFP), Requests for Quotes (RFQ) and other bidding for the procurement of goods or services. Negotiates contracts, interprets procurement policies, laws and codes to ensure that actions are in accordance with University policies and the Utah State procurement code.

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), plus four years of direct purchasing experience required. Proven ability to analyze information and draw conclusions by applying cost analysis techniques and successfully negotiate with others required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communications skills also required.

The completion of the Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification or equivalency or working toward its completion is desired and may be required in some areas. 

Care is appropriate to the population served

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. Determines appropriate bid procedures (RFP, RFQ, Standard or Phone Quotes).
2. Negotiates and determines appropriate course of action for sophisticated contracts, RFQ’s, RFP’s, bids and complex orders.
3. Prepares procurement solicitations for formally advertised bids that include terms and conditions, scope of work, insurance, bonding requirements and compliance with state and federal regulations.
4. Conducts bid openings; evaluates bids and proposals.
5. Negotiates price, delivery, payment and scope of work and change orders.
6. Determines awards and issues contracts.
7. Oversees projects for specialized services such as major construction endeavors and those that involve major equipment acquisitions.
8. Acts as a liaison between vendor’s and departments and advises departments on cost effective alternatives.
9. Represents the University at legislative sessions and community meetings.
10. Promotes an ongoing outreach program to find and utilize small vendors as viable sources.
11. May provide supervision, training and guidance for lower level Buyers.

Problem Solving

Procurement agreements entered into must meet a multitude of regulatory criteria that differs depending upon the service or product being acquired and as a result, can have far reaching effects. Goods are often procured from international vendors requiring the incumbent to be familiar with shipping and receiving laws from foreign countries as well as the United States.

This position manages and coordinates multiple projects that are large in scope and is responsible for resolving problems such as bid disputes and vendor protests regarding contract law. The incumbent must have the ability to interface with a myriad of internal and external customers and to ensure that interested parties are following relevant federal and state laws.

Comments

The Sr. Buyer is distinguished from the Buyer classification in that this position makes most decisions and resolves most problems independently and the scope of its projects are typically not restricted by dollar amounts. Complex RFP’s and other procurement practices are prepared and reviewed without close supervision.

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.