Procurement Agent

About the role

The Procurement Services Department at Iowa State University is seeking a Procurement Agent to provide efficient, timely, and effective sourcing and procurement services while maximizing university resources. This position procures goods and services across multiple commodity areas, including promotional items, art, music & theatre, educational/classroom supplies, grounds/lawn equipment, greenhouse/nursery, janitorial/custodial services and equipment, interpreting/translating services, and other assigned commodities. The role may also involve working in additional commodity areas based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Procurement of goods and services
• Writing and managing contracts to ensure compliance with performance, state and federal law, University policy, and Board of Regents policy
• Negotiating remedies for noncompliance when necessary
• Supplier relationship management
• Developing functional and/or technical specifications
• Evaluating or editing terms and conditions for procurement of goods and services
• Establishing criteria of award, evaluating and analyzing bid proposals, and facilitating award decisions in cooperation with requesting departments

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of related education and experience totaling 4 years
• Strong analytic skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent reasoning, interpreting, and written and verbal communication skills
• Professional, organized, detail-oriented, and innovative approach to problem-solving
• Strong personal computer skills, including proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to foster positive, collegial, and collaborative relationships with diverse internal and external constituents
• Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Ability to adhere to applicable state and federal laws, Board of Regents, and university policies and procedures
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in a business or commodity-related field
• Experience acquiring, bidding, or sourcing goods and services
• Experience with bid software, contract management software, or Smartsheet
• Experience working in sourcing or procurement
• Experience reading and understanding contractual terms and conditions

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Appointment Type: Regular | Full time | 12 months employed per year