Buyer 1

This position is a re-announcement of a previous posting. Applicants who previously applied do not need to re-apply to be considered.

About the role

In this role, you will conduct purchasing of materials, supplies, equipment, and services for the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

• Purchasing equipment, supplies, materials, and services
• Developing and maintaining expertise in state purchasing requirements, procedures, organizational structures, and requirements to secure a wide variety of products and services
• Coordinating the purchase of goods and services for moves, additions, and changes with small to medium-sized remodeling, space reconfigurations, and storage projects
• Coordinating the agency travel arrangements
• Maintaining the Agency purchasing card program

This position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota further than 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of professional experience in purchasing/buying supplies, goods, services, or reserving travel and utilizing and reconciling purchasing cards; OR
• Two (2) years of paraprofessional/clerical/technical experience in purchasing/buying supplies, goods, services, or reserving travel and utilizing and reconciling purchasing cards
• Ability to obtain Authority for Local Purchase (ALP) Certification at the $25,000 level within 6 months from date of hire

Experience must include:

• Working knowledge of requisition workflow systems such as EIOR
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (such as Word, Excel, Outlook, or Teams)
• Experience with State of Minnesota's Statewide Integrated Financial Tool (SWIFT) accounting and procurement system, or other comparable large private or governmental accounting system with purchasing functionality, or proficiency with a purchasing system

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of state pricing contracts
• Experience with bidding/RFB processes
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors
• Strong organizational skills with excellent written and oral communication skills
• Human relations skills including conflict resolution and problem-solving to work courteously and professionally, even in high-stress situations
• Previous state buying experience
• Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures

Physical Requirements

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a small amount of force to move and/or transport objects. A sedentary job is defined as one which involves being stationary (or sitting) most of the time, with active movement required only occasionally.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Social Security Verification

Pay

$24.40 - $35.30 / hourly; $50,947 - $73,706 / annually

Schedule

• Day Shift
• Monday - Friday
• No travel required

Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.