Procurement Agent - IT Software

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS The Penn State Office of Central Procurement team is searching for a Procurement Agent- IT Software.

Central Procurement has a vision to develop and execute sound business and cost-effective Purchasing solutions to enable the teaching, research, and service mission of the University. The Procurement Agent purchases commodities within the assigned category in accordance with University policies and government regulations with purchase approval limits; conducts competitive Request for Proposal or Request for Quotationprocesses;negotiates with vendors and evaluates vendor performance and compliance;

serves as a liaison with University departments and outside organizations; monitors customer satisfaction and solves problems; uses electronic systems to conduct business transactions and compile information; and reviews, evaluates and/or manages contracts. The IT Software category team manages more than $80 million in annual spend and processes up to 5,000 purchasing transactions each year. The successful candidate will:
Negotiate with vendors as it relates to price, delivery, payment, contracts and agreements, specifications, and purchase order terms to increase buying power Evaluate, review, and approvepurchases within the assigned category; previous experience within IT Software is ideal Monitor vendor performance and compliance, resolve discrepancies Evaluate suppliers based on the price, quality, and speed of delivery of their products and services Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other information to determine reasonable prices Monitor contracts to be sure that vendors comply with the terms and conditions of the contract and University policy Coordinate with the Accounting department as required to resolve questions on invoices Monitor customer satisfaction through exchanging information and solving problems May utilize a variety of electronic systems to manage requisitions, conduct auctions, and manage vendors and/or inventories Provide responsive, consultative customer service by understanding customer needs, offering procurement guidance, and resolving issues in a timely manner.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work at the University Park campus. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Experience and skills required to be successful in this role:
Appropriate negotiating skills to achieve optimum price, delivery terms, payment terms, and purchase order terms and deliver best value solutions to the University. A high degree of organization and problem-solving skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Sound principles of customer satisfaction. Demonstrates ability to effectively communicate procurement processes, provide guidance and training, and lead internal teams and suppliers through sourcing events.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED…