Buyer

Job Description Summary Position Overview and Key Responsibilities: The University of Maryland’s (UMD) Procurement & Business Services department is seeking a proactive problem solver to join its team of procurement professionals. The Buyer is an early-career procurement position responsible for providing professional procurement services for the University of Maryland College Park and, as needed, other institutions within the University System of Maryland (USM). Under general supervision, the Buyer manages routine and moderately complex procurements within assigned categories and level-of-signature authority, from requirements development and solicitation through award, contract and purchase order administration, and post-award support. The Buyer works collaboratively with campus departments, procurement colleagues, and suppliers to clarify requirements, develop specifications, conduct market research and sourcing activities, and identify qualified suppliers. Responsibilities include reviewing and processing requisitions; preparing and reviewing purchase orders, contracts, solicitations, bid packages, and related documentation; conducting competitive solicitations; evaluating supplier proposals; making award recommendations; and negotiating and administering contracts and purchase orders using University-approved terms and conditions. The Buyer also processes change orders, expedites orders, supports invoice-related issues, and completes sole source actions within delegated authority. The Buyer ensures procurement activities comply with University and USM policies, procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and audit requirements. The position advises departments on procurement processes and single and sole source justifications, maintains required documentation, and routes actions exceeding delegated authority for approval. The Buyer also supports supplier diversity by encouraging participation from minority- and women-owned businesses and small business enterprises through outreach, tracking, and documentation. About the Department of Procurement & Business Services at the University of Maryland: In support of the University of Maryland's (UMD) mission of excellence in education, research, outreach and collaborative partnership with the greater community, the Department of Procurement & Business Services is a diverse professional team strongly committed to our customers. The Department of Procurement & Business Services is responsible for providing procurement services to UMD, the University System of Maryland Office, and Universities at Shady Grove. Additionally, the Construction and Facilities Procurement area provides capital construction procurement and contract administration services to its service center locations, institutions, including Bowie State University, Frostburg State University, Salisbury State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, The Universities at Shady Grove, Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, and University of Maryland Global Campus. Physical Demands: Sedentary Work: Primarily desk-based, requiring prolonged periods of sitting while performing tasks such as typing, filing, and using a computer. Repetitive Motion: Frequent use of a keyboard, mouse, and phone, which may involve repetitive hand and wrist movements. Occasional Lifting: Ability to lift and carry office materials, files, and supplies up to 20-25 pounds (e.g., boxes, office equipment). Standing and Walking: Occasional walking to meetings, interacting with staff or faculty, and attending departmental events or presentations. Visual and Mental Acuity: Requires the ability to focus on financial reports, spreadsheets, and documents for extended periods and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Communication: Frequent verbal communication with staff, faculty, and campus administrators, requiring clear speech and the ability to hear and respond appropriately in m…

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