Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent I About This Role

The Purchasing Agent I supports purchasing operations by onboarding and maintaining supplier records, collecting and validating tax and banking information, evaluating 1099 reportability, and providing supplier customer service. This role also supports supplier onboarding within the marketplace system and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) to support operational efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement.

• Serve as the primary relationship owner for supplier onboarding within a peer‑to‑peer marketplace, facilitating end‑to‑end integration with P2P provider, catalog connectivity, and ongoing system health.
• Diagnose and resolve multifaceted marketplace issues spanning onboarding workflows, payments, tax compliance, account status, and platform functionality, balancing speed with accuracy.
• Act as a trusted advisor to suppliers by communicating clearly, professionally, and proactively to drive adoption, confidence, and long‑term engagement.
• Navigate and elevate complex or high‑risk issues across internal teams, ensuring accountability and end‑to‑end resolution.

• Monitor procurement and supplier onboarding KPIs, including onboarding cycle time, supplier compliance, and issue resolution performance, translating metrics into actionable insights.
• Develop and maintain accurate operational logs, reports, and dashboards to support transparency, performance tracking, and leadership decision‑making.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to analyze data, identify trends, surface root causes, and recommend process improvements that enhance marketplace efficiency and supplier experience.

• Manage end‑to‑end supplier onboarding, including setup, validation, and activation in internal systems.
• Collect, review, and verify supplier documentation (e.g., W‑9/W‑8 forms, banking details, certificate of insurance).
• Ensure supplier records are complete, accurate, and maintained in compliance with university and state policies.
• Update supplier information as changes occur (address, tax status, payment method, etc.).

• Evaluate suppliers for 1099 reportability in accordance with IRS regulations.
• Maintain accurate tax classifications and documentation.
• Support annual 1099 preparation by ensuring supplier data accuracy.
• Respond to supplier inquiries related to tax reporting and documentation.

• Facilitate setting up ACH and other payment methods.
• Coordinate with internal teams to resolve payment issues or discrepancies.
• Ensure secure handling of sensitive financial and tax data.

• Identify opportunities to improve onboarding efficiency and data accuracy.
• Maintain documentation of procedures and best practices.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable and Procurement teams.
• Support audits and internal reviews related to supplier data and compliance.

The Division of Financial Services at Kansas State University supports the university’s mission of teaching, research, and service by providing strategic financial leadership, stewardship, and operational excellence. As part of Kansas State University, our team partners with campus units to deliver high‑quality services in shared services, financial and budgeting support, accounting, financial reporting, procurement, travel, and compliance. We are committed to integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement, leveraging data, technology, and collaborative relationships to ensure responsible resource management and an exceptional service experience for the K‑State community.

This position is hybrid eligible. However, the first 90 days are required to be 100% on‑site. After that period, hybrid eligibility may be granted based on individual performance, with a requirement of three days on‑site. All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K‑State is unable to provide hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

• High school diploma (or equivalent).
• Six years of relevant experience.
• Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.

• Experience in supplier/vendor management, accounts payable or tax compliance.
• Experience handling confidential tax and banking information.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with ERP or supplier management systems.