Senior Buyer

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedSenior Buyerat its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

POSITION PURPOSE

The Senior Buyer position reports to the Associate Director of Procurement.

Essential Job Functions

• Procure large group commodities and services for various departments University-wide. Receive, evaluate and process requisitions in accordance with established policies and procedures. Review and amend contracts as required.

• Prepare complex specification for major contracts and large scale purchases. Negotiate with selected vendors. Solicit competitive bids and quote solicitations and determine conformance with University purchasing policy, State or negotiated contracts. Conduct cost and value analyses for new or present commodities.

• Review and evaluate existing vendor performance. Research, identify and secure new vendor and product sources to determine reliability and quality to maintain state of art technology. Recruit new vendors through on-site visits, e.g. minority representatives. Attend conferences, seminars and trade shows; conduct on-going market research and keep abreast of new practices and trends through applicable publications.

• Review and amend invoice, payment and credit problems with vendors. Resolve delinquent payment. Follow-up on back orders, expedite delivery of orders and/or make special arrangements for delivery to requisitioners.

• Prepare statistical reports and analyses as requested. Participate in special projects and/or assignments, to support the overall goals and mission of the department.

• Respond to procurement related inquiries and issues on the projects for internal and external customers. Acts as the liaison to coordinate activities between the end user, university departments and suppliers.

• Research and Identify Opportunities for Strategic Sourcing. Work with University departments and external institutions, to determine if a strategic sourcing effort is beneficial for the University.

• Other duties as assigned.

  Qualifications:

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Coursework in business administration, marketing or materials management preferred.

• Reasonable knowledge of purchasing principles and ethics.

• Some knowledge of University policies and procedures.

• Reasonable knowledge of accounting principles.

• Strong oral and/or written communication skills.

• Reasonable knowledge and experience of source selection with a variety of commodity markets.

• Considerable ability to make independent judgment; strong decision making skills.

• Typically, incumbents have held positions such as Buyer I or Assistant Buyer.

• Years of Experience Required: 3 to 5 years prior experience in Purchasing or Contract Management.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Familiarity with Procurement Management Systems.

• High level of integrity.

  School/College/Division:

H43 - Business Operations

Primary department:

H4320 - Business Services

Employment type:

• Regular Employee

• Job type: Full Time

• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary

• Salary minimum: $52,400

• Salary hire maximum: $62,877

Working conditions:

• This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply. Typical office working environment. • Flex Hours between 7:30 am and 6 pm for a 7.5 hour shift, Monday through Friday. Up to two flexible work days after four month probationary period, at management’s discretion.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 2

• Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.