Job Summary
This position is remote but occasional travel to System headquarters in Harrisburg or other locations for meetings may be required. Pennsylvania residency is required.
General Responsibilities:
The Purchasing Agent position will report directly to one of the Commodity Leads and/or Director for Materials/Services as deemed necessary, within the Procurement Shared Servies (PSS) group. This position is technical work in the purchasing of suppliers, materials, equipment, or services in support of university and system office operational needs, within Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).
An employee in this position is responsible for reviewing requisitions from multiple universities and/or the Office of the Chancelor, and other varying university program offices. Agents must be able to identifying the best method for procurement; developing and advising on Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or Invitation For Bid (IFB) documentation, assisting and advising with the writing, or modification of specifications or statements of work in support of RFP/RFQ/IFB efforts; reviewing and awarding bids; preparing various contracts types or purchase orders, negotiating contract terms and conditions; and researching statewide or collaborative contracts.
This work requires agents to be engaged with university program customers and in regular contact with suppliers. This is a remote position, and the ability to manage one's time, follow up with customers and suppliers, and utilizing the various communication and collaboration tools is critical to the PSS success to support our customers. The work is performed independently, with plenty of time to work as a team and collaborate, share ideas, and work as a team. The Purchasing Agent is expected to perform within established regulations, policies, procedures, and standards. Changes to operational standards or work procedures and policies are discussed, shared, and posted prior to implementation.
Minimum Qualifications
ENTRY-LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures
- Knowledge of technical writing principles
- Knowledge of inventory control and storage methods
- Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office software
- Ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify and resolve problems
- Ability to analyze written and numerical information
- Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing
- Ability to communicate effectively orally
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING (NOTE: Based on the Entry-Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Three (3) years of purchasing experience involving contact with suppliers in the procurement of a variety of supplies, materials, equipment, or services;
or Three (3) years of experience requisitioning, receiving, storing, distributing, and maintaining an inventory of goods; or An equivalent combination of experience and training. Post-high-school education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for purchasing or stores experience, up to a maximum of two (2) years
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, procurement, business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or related field
- Professional procurement certification, such as Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or comparable credential
- SAP and/or Ariba eProcurement tools
- Experience performing procurement activities in a public sector, higher education, Commonwealth, or similarly regulated environment
- Experience interpreting and applying public procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including the Pennsylvania Procurement Code
- Knowledge of public sector purchasing principles, practices, procedures, and procurement methods, including Invitations for Bid (IFB), Requests for Proposals (RFP), Requests for Quotations (RFQ), sole source procurements, and emergency procurements
- Experience supporting multiple organizational units, campuses, institutions, or program customers in a shared services environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including advanced Excel functions (formulas, reporting, data analysis, and pivot tables), and experience using ERP, electronic procurement, contract management, supplier management, electronic signature, and related business systems
Supplemental Information
Applications & Resumes will be accepted until position is filled, however; to ensure full consideration, internal application materials should be received no later than close of day October 28, 2026.
The anticipated starting salary for this position is $46,827, per the AFSCME CBA. For internal applicants, salary will be calculated in accordance with the AFSCME CBA.
All applications for this position must be submitted via our online application/resume system ONLY. Please do not fax, mail, or e-mail any documentation.
This position is remote but occasional travel to System headquarters in Harrisburg or other locations for meetings may be required. Pennsylvania residency is required.
Successful interview, reference checks, background clearances (PA Criminal, Child Abuse Clearance & FBI Clearance), and demonstration of ability are requisite qualifications for all positions.
The State System is very interested in hiring employees who have had extensive experience with diverse populations.
We are an AA/EOE/member of the PA State System of Higher Education and actively solicits applications from women and minority candidates.