Percent Time: 100%
Type of Position Regular: A position which is considered essential for the effective long-term operation of the university. Persons appointed to this position will receive the privileges and benefits associated with regular employment status.
Duties: BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY Intermediate purchasing agent position for individuals with reasonable experience and training in the procurement profession. Procure goods and services for a large group of commodities requiring technical and product expertise. Negotiate on-going contracts for the entire campus. Evaluate and recommend appropriate methods procuring requested goods and services. Assist the Director of Purchasing in training of peers and customers. Ensure compliance with Federal and State Laws, Regents and University policies and procedures and the University’s Strategic plan, plus departmental and divisional mission statements.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Administer the University’s procurement process including the evaluation and processing of requisitions and issuing purchase orders for a large group of commodities requiring technical and product expertise resulting in major and complex acquisitions. Negotiate campus wide contracts. Develop written technical bid specifications for competitive Request for Quotations and initiates Request for Proposals. Consult frequently with campus customers to discuss, evaluate and plan for current and future needs. Provide opportunities for customer involvement in improving the purchasing process including policy and procedural matters, commodities, vendor selection, analysis and award of bids. Analyze vendor performance, negotiates and resolves disputes. Contact assigned departments to review anticipated purchases, customer service expectations and market services provided by Purchasing. Maintain a reasonable knowledge of contract administration. Research and analyze specific commodities to maximize cost savings. Facilitate decision making for problem resolution for duration of the contract. Research market conditions and determine trends. Contribute to the effective implementation of new systems or processes that add value and enhances the purchasing process. Must be able to work independently, completes tasks and achieves goals. Must be able to make effective decisions and determines associated risk regarding a purchase with minimal guidance from the Director of Purchasing. Negotiate successful outcomes with vendors and supplies. Manage multiple priorities and complex projects with minimal guidance from the Director of Purchasing. Find innovative ways to obtain information about vendors and commodities. Participate as a team member of the Purchasing Department. Work directly with departments and Accounts Payable to resolve pricing issues with vendors. Participate in the strategic planning for the department. Understand and implements current strategic plan for the Purchasing Department. Must be able to problem solve and implement solutions. Make decisions or recommendations on based upon analysis of purchasing data. Effectively use analytical tools (data bases, spread sheets) to document, assess and analyze information to support decisions. Build staff or team members’ skills and confidence, and coach others. Maintain commitment to business affirmative action at the University of Iowa by promoting the State of Iowa Targeted Small Business and Iowa Small Business programs through recruiting, encouraging and supporting those vendors. Maintain strict adherence to the Anti-kickback Law of 1986, and follow and subscribe to the National Association of Educational Buyers (NAEB) Code of Ethics. Represent the Director of Purchasing as delegated. Serve on assigned University cross-functional teams and committees. Represent the University at professional functions. Promote strategic partnering of external purchasing activities for procedural compliance. Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public.
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
Demonstrates respect for all members of the University community in the course of performing one’s duties and in response to administrators, supervisors, coworkers, and customers. -Welcomes the richness of talent from a diverse workforce and recognizes that diversity brings stimulation, challenge, and energy that contribute to a productive and effective workplace. -Represents the interests of the University and of unit leadership in the use of resources to meet service and productivity demands within unit goals and budgets; strives to promote continual process and quality improvement. -Seeks opportunities to enhance one’s own professional knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to one’s current position and/or to prepare for potential future roles and overall career development.
http://jobs.uiowa.edu//pands/view/57898