Buyer, Business

Job Description

Under general supervision, this role performs purchasing duties to support departmental operations. Primary responsibilities include reviewing requisitions for compliance with policies and procedures, issuing purchase orders, and managing competitive bidding processes for moderate to large‑scale procurement of supplies and equipment in accordance with established purchasing policies.

• Review, analyze, and process requisitions to generate purchase orders
• Conduct competitive bidding processes for moderate to large purchases of equipment and supplies under direction of senior procurement staff

35% of job

• Monitor and review exception and tracking reports to ensure timely closure of completed purchase orders in Oracle system

20% of job

• Provide departments with product specifications, pricing information, and procurement guidance to support informed purchasing decisions
• Proactively identify and implement cost savings and cost avoidance opportunities for the university
• Document and report achieved savings

15% of job

• Track and follow up on delayed or backordered items with departments and vendors to ensure order completion
• Obtain necessary approvals for change orders and communicate modifications to relevant departments
• Process change orders in accordance with established procedures to facilitate timely vendor payments

15% of job

• Develop and maintain relationships with current and prospective suppliers through phone contact, meetings, conferences, and industry events
• Identify and cultivate new supply sources for university needs
• Educate potential vendors on Tulane's purchasing policies and procedures

10% of job

• Perform additional related assignments as needed to enhance procurement services for the university

5% of job

100%

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 2 years of purchasing or related experience required
• Some college coursework preferred
• Understanding of intermediate purchasing policies and principles
• Proficiency with computers and online purchasing systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Working knowledge of electronic purchasing systems
• Excellent keyboarding skills with high data entry accuracy
• Outstanding oral and written communication abilities, with demonstrated effectiveness in interacting with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all work activities
• Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize assignments and meet established deadlines
• Capability to follow detailed instructions while working independently
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills

• Experience with Oracle Cloud Fusion platform
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with educational/research environments and related terminology

Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person's race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection or participation criteria for Tulane's employment or educational programs or activities.