Stores Buyer

Job Summary

The Stores Buyer is part of the Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M), Department of Physical Plant in the operational area of Stores at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Stores Buyer position is responsible for coordinating and managing procurement activities in support of departmental operations, ensuring timely acquisition of goods and services while maintaining compliance with university policies, state regulations, and established procurement procedures.

This role serves as a liaison between internal departments, suppliers, and stakeholders to support operational efficiency, inventory management, and strategic purchasing initiatives.

The Stores Buyer exercises independent judgment in evaluating vendor options, analyzing pricing and product availability, and identifying cost‑effective purchasing solutions. Responsibilities include processing purchase requests, obtaining quotes, managing supplier relationships, monitoring order status, resolving procurement issues, and maintaining accurate purchasing records. The position may also assist with contract coordination, inventory oversight, invoice reconciliation, and continuous process improvement efforts.

A qualified candidate will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, communication abilities, and knowledge of procurement systems. The work schedule is flexible and will be determined at the time of hire. Hours are generally scheduled Monday through Friday, typically within the hours of 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional nights, weekends, and holidays potentially required.

• Assists purchasing agents, buyers, and procurement specialists with editing and preparation of service agreements and one‑time purchasing agreements using established forms and templates
• Provides response to questions from internal and external stakeholders
• Manages requisition‑to‑purchase order process including dissemination to suppliers and changes resulting in changes to financial encumbrances
• Prepares and monitors release of and responses to all types of solicitations
• Creates and maintains library of purchasing‑related forms and templates
• Enters purchase orders and supplier information into financial system of record in compliance with established standards and with appropriate segregation of duties
• Maintains and files records in compliance with regulatory requirements

• Experience working with suppliers, vendors, or distribution channels in a procurement or operational environment
• Knowledge of purchasing systems, inventory processes, and procurement of best practices
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment

• Experience working within large institutional government or higher education settings
• Previous purchasing, procurement, customer service, or related administrative experience is preferred

High School Diploma Preferred; or equivalent

The minimum rate for this position is $23.00 per hour; the rate is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax‑advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW‑Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin‑Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background—people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment…