Purchasing Intern

Kickstart your career in procurement and public finance with the Purchasing Intern position at the City of Wichita’s Finance Department
. As an intern, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in a fast-paced, real‑world environment, working closely with experienced professionals in the Purchasing Division. You’ll be involved in meaningful work, from assisting vendors and managing registration processes to conducting research and analyzing data. This is more than just administrative support - this is an opportunity to grow your skills in procurement, policy review, and process improvement.

You’ll also have the chance to provide impactful recommendations that help shape the future of the City’s purchasing operations.

Work assignments are tailored to your educational background and skill level, ensuring you’ll learn and grow while contributing to the success of the team. With a flexible schedule that accommodates your academic commitments, this is the perfect opportunity to gain experience while still focusing on your studies.

Work will be between the hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday‑Friday) for an average of 16 hours per week.

Schedule is flexible based on the student’s availability. We encourage students to prioritize their studies and request extended short-term leave in advance whenever needed.

• Compiles information, records, and completes data entry/clerical functions for the Purchasing Office on a variety of items.
• Performs intern‑level work assigned by the Finance Department/Purchasing Division.
• Oversee Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software Vendor Self Service (VSS) registration efforts
  • Contacts potential vendors by variety of means for the purposes of increased City vendor registration efforts.
  • Assists vendors with registration efforts to ensure accuracy and completeness of information.
  • Reviews large amounts of data to identify, coordinate, and organize community outreach efforts.
• Assists with Scanning, Filing, and Oversight of Certificate of Insurance (COI) record retention efforts.
• Attends meetings in conjunction with management.
• May review, update, and suggest changes to operations policies and procedures. Once approved by management, may assist in the implementation.
• May review processes and provide recommendations.
• May work in conjunction with the Purchasing Manager or other Division managers.
• Completion of work assignments may require operation of a vehicle.
• These examples are not intended to be all‑inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

• Level of knowledge appropriate to the work being assigned.
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information.
• May require ability to research, analyze, summarize and report findings.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of other organizations, and/or the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas Driver’s License.
• An employee will not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

• High school diploma.
• Six (6) months of experience performing office support, administrative, customer service, data entry, or recordkeeping duties.
• Six (6) months of computerized business, financial, purchasing, enterprise resource planning (ERP), or customer relationship management (CRM) systems to enter, retrieve, update, or maintain…