Procurement Generalist I

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a business-related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience. Salary commensurate with experience.

Experience and Training

• 3 or more years’ experience in procurement, preferably in a centralized procurement environment. Experience in higher education or non-profit environment preferred. E-procurement experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Ability to interpret and enforce procurement policies and procedures. 
• Knowledge of and experience with procurement principles, practices, and methods of procurement for a wide variety of goods and services. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.  Strong technical and business writing skills including ability to write Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Quotations (RFQ).
• Knowledge of fiscal procedures, accounting systems and general accounting principles.
• Knowledge and ability to utilize the Internet and Microsoft Office software
• Ability to learn and use the following HPU systems: Unimarket (e-procurement software), Colleague (ERP software), ImageNow (paperless filing system), and Clarity (electronic budget tracking tool).
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external personnel and foster strong relationships and credibility. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work confidently and competently under very tight deadlines.
• Ability to quickly analyze situations, consider alternatives, and take appropriate course of action.
• Must be a self-starter and team player.
• Completion of HIPAA certification course is required.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

• Liaison with departments to support the procurement of goods and services, including RFPs and RFQs. Assists department buyers regarding procurement strategies and procedures which ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and University policies, provides the best value, and mitigates overall business risk for the University. Maintains positive and productive relationships with departments.
• Evaluates and approves requisitions entered by department buyers in Unimarket (e-procurement system). Ensures requisitions comply with purchasing policies and procedures and sourcing strategies of the University.  Validates supplier, items/service purchased, proper entry of line items, taxes, shipping, account number, number of quotes if required, fiscal year when applicable, etc.
• Liaison for the university’s managed travel program with Corporate Travel Planners or similar company.  Administrator of the Concur Booking Tool. Evaluate and approve exceptions. Train users, as needed.
• Works with department buyers to correct non-compliant requisitions and educate them on ways to ensure compliance in the future.
• Monitor and eliminate unnecessary retrofit purchase orders (after-the fact).
• Works with internal departments to identify preferred suppliers.  Makes suggestions for reducing the number of suppliers whenever possible and practical.
• Assists the Manager of Contracts and Procurement and Procurement Generalist II with supplier management including negotiations and supplier issues, as needed. 
• Assists the Manager of Contracts and Procurement and Procurement Generalist II with the analysis of spend by supplier and/or category and procurement metrics.
• Maintains excellent customer service and positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating effectively with internal (faculty, staff, students, parents) and external (suppliers, legal/professional service firms, community members, visitors) personnel.
• Serves as back-up to the Purchasing/Receivables Accountant and the Procurement Generalist II.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

ACCOUNTABILITY:

This position reports to the Manager of Contracts and Procurement. This position contributes to the University’s successful use of proper procurement procedures by helping to establish and maintain a centralized procurement system. This position will assist departments to ensure a positive procurement experience while supporting the strategic initiatives of the University.  The incumbent works closely with the Manager of Contracts and Procurement and the Procurement Generalist II to ensure compliance with University policy, federal and state regulations and laws, and GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).

For more information about this, please contact Edward Chambers, Manager of Contracts and Procurement at echamber@highpoint.edu