Senior Purchasing Agent

About the role

Towson University (TU) is a top-100 public university and one of the nation's great colleges to work for, located north of Baltimore. TU enrolls over 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the University System of Maryland. The Senior Purchasing Agent procures specialized and complex goods and services, including planning, solicitation, evaluation, awarding, and administering contracts for a wide range of services. This role ensures vendor compliance with terms and adherence to University System of Maryland (USM) and State of Maryland requirements, and may collaborate with other USM campuses on system-wide contracts. Telework may be available up to two days per week after 90 days of service in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Independently solicit, evaluate, award, and renew contracts for low to high-dollar-value procurement, including IT, services, facilities maintenance, construction, commodities, and other goods or services as assigned.
• Identify and screen new contract vehicles, validate customer sole-source and emergency justifications, and provide end users with contract details, pricing, and data.
• Lead RFP evaluation teams, conduct IFB processes, and manage purchase orders, change orders, and contract modifications or amendments.
• Prepare and review bids, making contract awards to the most responsive and responsible bidder.
• Provide proactive procedural and policy guidance to procurement customers to ensure adherence to State of Maryland statutes, USM policies, and best purchasing practices.
• Advise end-users on new technology and contract vehicles, consulting on tactical issues such as project planning, contracting methods, and optimal contract terms.
• Remain current with USM, State of Maryland, and other available contracts to optimize resources for TU clients.
• Interpret contract and acquisition law, represent the University in vendor negotiations, and resolve procurement issues, including disputes, claims, and terminations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of procurement-related experience.
• Knowledge of Maryland procurement statutes, Uniform Commercial Code, Towson University and USM Procurement Policies and Procedures, and public-sector/higher education purchasing practices.
• Skill in managing relationships with stakeholders, including campus customers, suppliers, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to resolve conflicts, achieve consensus, and organize large amounts of data under pressure.
• Strong technical writing and public presentation skills, including persuasive communication.
• Ability to represent the University effectively in public settings and prioritize group goals over personal preferences.

Preferences

• Two years’ experience procuring information technology, IT consulting, and services-related procurement preferred.
• Experience in higher-education or public-sector procurement strongly preferred.

Pay

Targeted salary range: $88,000 - $103,000 annually.

Benefits

• 22 days of annual leave, up to 15 holidays, personal and sick days.
• Excellent health, life, and retirement plans.
• Tuition remission.
• Additional perks and discounts available.