Procurement Agent

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS The Penn State Office of Central Procurement team is searching for a Procurement Agent. Central Procurement has a vision to develop and execute sound business and cost-effective Purchasing solutions to enable the teaching, research, and service mission of the University. The Procurement Agent purchases commodities within the assigned category in accordance with University policies and government regulations with purchase approval limits; conducts competitive Request for Proposal or Request for Quotation processes; negotiates with vendors and evaluates vendor performance and compliance; serves as a liaison with University departments and outside organizations; monitors customer satisfaction and solves problems; uses electronic systems to conduct business transactions and compile information; and reviews, evaluates and/or manages contracts. The successful candidate will: Negotiate with vendors as it relates to price, delivery, payment, contracts and agreements, specifications, and purchase order terms to increase buying power Evaluate, review, and approve purchases within the assigned category Monitor vendor performance and compliance, resolve discrepancies, and inspect for quality Evaluate suppliers based on the price, quality, and speed of delivery of their products and services Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other information to determine reasonable prices Monitor contracts to be sure that vendors and suppliers comply with the terms and conditions of the contract and University policy Monitor, document and facilitate product recalls Coordinate with the Accounting department as required to resolve questions on suppliers' invoices Monitor customer satisfaction through exchanging information and solving problems May utilize a variety of electronic systems to manage requisitions, conduct auctions, and manage vendors and/or inventories May supervise staff and direct the work of others This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work at the University Park campus. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Experience and skills required to be successful in this role: Appropriate negotiating skills to achieve optimum price, delivery terms, payment terms, and purchase order terms and deliver best value solutions to the University A high degree of organization and problem-solving skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment Sound principles of customer satisfaction Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $86,400.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salar…

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