Purchasing Agent and Strategic Sourcing Purchasing Agent
The Purchasing department intends to hire both a Purchasing Agent and Strategic Sourcing Purchasing Agent. Please indicate in your cover letter the position you wish to be considered for or indicate both.
These positions will provide support to the Purchasing Department by managing and monitoring purchase contracts to ensure compliance with contract terms. The Purchasing Agent/Buyer will issue competitive solicitations, including Request for Quotes, Request for Proposals, and Requests for Qualifications as needed. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with Federal and State Laws, Regents and University policies and procedures, the University's Strategic Plan, as well as departmental and divisional mission statements. The Purchasing Agent position’s primary focus will be on managing commodities related to laboratory and scientific equipment and consumables, vehicles, and service agreements, while also supporting other commodities as needed. Additionally, the Strategic Sourcing position will support University of Iowa Health Care by serving on the strategic sourcing team and engaging in more complex contract and purchasing solutions associated with medical equipment, supplies and services. These positions are not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
Duties to Include:
Manage competitive bids, requisitions and purchase orders for approved suppliers per assigned commodities.
Negotiate improved pricing, terms and conditions.
Develop written technical bid specifications for routine competitive Requests for Quotations, Requests for Information, Requests for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications for routine acquisitions or routine campus-wide needs.
Analyze industry and benchmarking data to increase cost savings opportunities
Location: PCO and University of Iowa Hospital
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Pay: $46,943 to commensurate
For a full job description of either position, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.
Purchasing Agent - Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience (typically 1 year) managing key responsibilities, accountabilities, and organization of the procurement functions.
Demonstrated ability to maintain positive and productive business relationships.
Ability to work independently and appropriately engages necessary resources to accomplish tasks.
Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects or tasks with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from financial and numerical data.
Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through effective written and verbal communication behaviors.
Advanced skills and proficiency in Adobe, and Microsoft Office Suite; primarily Excel and Word.
Purchasing Agent - Desired Qualifications:
Experience beyond 1 year and up to 3 years in procurement processes.
Knowledge of automated purchasing system.
Demonstrated skill in negotiating.
Knowledge of the medical and higher education industry.
Experience with the purchase of laboratory and scientific equipment and supplies.
Experience with the purchase of vehicles, equipment maintenance, and leases.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate projects and initiatives.
Knowledge of University business policies and procedures.
Familiarity with PeopleSoft/Oracle purchasing and contract module.
Strategic Sourcing Purchasing Agent - Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience (typically a minimum of 1 year) managing key responsibilities, accountabilities, and organization of the procurement functions.
Demonstrated ability to maintain positive and productive business relationships.
Ability to work independently and appropriately engages necessary resources to accomplish tasks.
Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects or tasks with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from financial and numerical data.
Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through effective written and verbal communication behaviors.
Advanced skills and proficiency in Adobe, and Microsoft Office Suite; primarily Excel and Word.
Strategic Sourcing Purchasing Agent - Desired Qualifications:
Experience beyond 1 year and up to 3 years in procurement processes.
Knowledge of automated purchasing system.
Demonstrated skill in negotiating.
Knowledge of the medical and higher education industry.
Experience with the purchase of medical and dental equipment, supplies, and services.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate projects and initiatives.
Knowledge of University business policies and procedures.
Familiarity with PeopleSoft/Oracle purchasing and contract module.
Position and Application Details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents that clearly address how they meet the qualifications of this position and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
Resume
Cover Letter – indicate which position you are interested in
Writing Sample (specifications below)
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Candidates will be required to submit a professional writing sample at the time of application. A sample can include sample bid documents, formal communication with a vendor or customers. An excel test will also be required as part of the interview process.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. State agency employers in Iowa are required to use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. University of Iowa employees, including those who work remotely or out-of-state, are subject to E-Verify.
For additional questions, please contact Brooke McMurl at brooke-mcmurl@uiowa.edu or 319-467-0719.
This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
About the University of Iowa:
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
