Purchasing Agent

About the Role

The University of Colorado's (CU) Procurement Service Center (PSC) is one of the leading higher education procurement offices in the nation. The PSC supports the entire CU community, which includes four campuses and System Administration, by assisting customers with their purchasing, spend management, procure-to-pay, and travel management responsibilities. The PSC partners with CU constituents and suppliers to provide collaborative, innovative, and leading practices that deliver high quality expertise, significant value, and excellent customer service.

Procurement and Sourcing, a unit within the PSC, exists to procure goods and services for the CU community from the right source at the most reasonable cost possible. This role ensures accountability, integrity, and fairness to the public and business community through the interpretation and application of federal, state, and University procurement rules and regulations.

The Purchasing Agent procures goods and services in a timely manner, specifying delivery from the right source to the right place at a price consistent with the quality and reliability required by the user. Based on professional experience and knowledge, this position makes procurement decisions for the university community by clarifying requirements, investigating sources of supply, and interpreting data. The successful candidate is an effective communicator committed to delivering high-quality customer service, is organized, and able to multi-task.

This position reports to the Procurement Manager and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system.

Responsibilities

• Procures services using professional judgment to determine if competition is required.
• Procures goods and services pursuant to the University’s Procurement Rules on a competitive basis by compiling and refining solicitation specifications, researching and identifying potential sources, and preparing formal solicitation documents.
• Independently determines the most appropriate method of acquiring goods and/or services by examining and evaluating the unique elements of each request, including estimating value, determining delivery requirements, researching sources of supply, and using online computerized purchasing systems and multiple software packages.
• Guides and ensures the integrity of all aspects of the Documented Quote (DQ) process by researching and developing DQ documents in collaboration with requesting department(s).
• Interprets and analyzes responses, communicates results, collaborates with departments on selecting awarded supplier(s), and awards contracts.
• Interprets, explains, implements, clarifies, counsels, and advocates courses of action, advising evaluation committees on options and consequences using University Procurement Rules, Fiscal Rules, Federal Laws, and campus policies.
• Analyzes sole-source, professional preference, and other bidding exception requests and recommends approval or disapproval.
• Ensures the university obtains the best value by negotiating with suppliers and formulating cost/price analysis based on professional purchasing experience.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with suppliers and internal departments by delivering high-quality service and accurate information.
• Represents the purchasing organization in meetings and committees with suppliers, government agencies, professional associations, and other organizations.
• Operates an outreach program with the campus community to advise on contracts, policies, procedures, and disseminate information.
• Collaborates with PSC management in developing policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Resolves contract or purchase order conflicts related to quality and/or payment discrepancies, working with the contracts team to interpret terms and conditions.
• Coordinates with Contract Administrator to negotiate, create, and/or amend contracts with suppliers by interpreting the position of the University and State of Colorado on specific terms.
• Applies professional judgment in adapting and applying guidelines to solve procurement-related problems and anticipates the impact of decisions.
• May develop, implement, and administer university small-dollar contracts, agreements, and awards.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent professional experience (the educational requirement may be substituted for professional experience on a year-for-year basis).
• One (1) year of professional experience procuring goods and services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience procuring goods and services.
• Professional experience in a higher education institution or other public procurement organization.
• Professional procurement certification such as CPSM or CPPB.
• Experience using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions in support of customers and business operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of performance measures and standard contract terms and conditions.
• Collaboration skills, including the ability to work with others from different areas and backgrounds to reach common goals.
• Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the ability to learn new software and systems.
• Strong oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret and convey messages, information, and details.
• Organizational skills, including setting and meeting goals, creating schedules, coordinating meetings, and making decisions.
• Ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain personal effectiveness.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and stay on task when completing special projects and daily assignments.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction and reliable professional judgment, as well as collaboratively with a team.
• Strong work ethic, positive problem-solving attitude, and enthusiasm for the work performed.
• Ability to self-start and take initiative in completing daily tasks and special projects.
• Ability to focus on activities that have the greatest impact on meeting work commitments.
• Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with a variety of internal and external constituencies.

Benefits

• No-cost or low-cost medical and dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
• Disability, life, and vision insurance options.
• Multiple retirement planning options, including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan, and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays, including a dedicated week off for winter break.
• 6 weeks of parental leave.
• Tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
• Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at the 1800 Grant Street Office.
• Many additional perks and programs with the CU Advantage.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $66,000–$72,000. CU System Administration considers a combination of the selected candidate’s education, training, and experience, as well as the position’s scope and complexity, internal pay equity, and external market value when determining salary.

Schedule

Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment. This role is eligible to work remotely within Colorado. Leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented.