"Purchasing Agent - (250000MZ)"

The Purchasing Agent will support the University's mission by procuring goods and services at the lowest price with best value. The Purchasing Agent will establish, and administer, contracts effectively by obtaining full and open competition using competitive procedures in accordance with Towson University, USM procurement policies and procedures, and State of Maryland requirements as applicable. This role will support, and serve, as a backup to the Purchasing Card Program Administrator (PCPA). Telework may be available for this position up to two days per week following the completion of 90 days of service in good standing.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Prepare purchase orders, contracts and other procurement documents for approval by Director or Associate Director as necessary. Document procurement files completely and accurately. Maintain procurement files in accordance with Policy and Procedures.
• Solicit, evaluate and award low to moderate-value contracts. Identify new sources, validate sole-source justifications, and furnish end users with source, price, and delivery data. Draft solicitation documents with guidance from manager. Source procurements pursuant to USM procurement policies and procedures.
• Assist customers in defining their needs, selecting vendors and evaluating specifications to prevent restrictive or proprietary specifications whenever possible and to ensure full and open competition. Ensure funding authorization and other required approvals have been received.
• Support and serve as a backup to the Purchasing Card Program Administrator (PCPA).
• Perform cost, price, or market analysis, and evaluate offers for best value as appropriate.
• With the assistance of the manager, interpret contract/acquisition law and requirements, representing the University in vendor negotiations as necessary to resolve issues and ensure best value. Work closely with TU customers to resolve procurement related issues and or concerns.
• Research and apply established contracts to meet University procurement needs. Prepare agenda items for Board of Public Work.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• One (1) year of working experience procuring goods and services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong preference for knowledge of Maryland procurement statutes regulations, Towson University and USM Procurement Policies and Procedures and public-sector/higher education purchasing practices.
• Knowledge with PCPA.

Salary and Benefits

Salary of $66,000-$71,000 annually and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 15 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here.

This position will be open for a minimum of 7 days. For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume with your online application.

The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and neighbors has been our top priority and the focus of every one of our decisions since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the University System of Maryland (USM) has strongly encouraged full COVID vaccination and up-to-date booster shots (when eligible) for all faculty, staff, and students at all schools in the USM as both a reasonable and necessary means of protecting our health and safety.