PURCHASING SPECIALIST

Job Description

To work with staff and suppliers to source and supply requests. To review requests to ensure sourcing strategy in accordance with UAB guidelines, policies and strategies. To provide guidance in purchasing, resolve service issues and cultivate and maintain relationships with vendors and customers. To ensure reasonableness and accuracy of information by analysis, audit and/or benchmarking along with managing day-to-day administration for purchases and/or payables activity in an accurate and timely manner.

To work with suppliers for sourcing and supply requests for campus entities. Responsible for reviewing requests to ensure proper sourcing in accordance with University guidelines, policies and strategies. Provides guidance in purchasing, resolving service issues and cultivates and maintains relationships with vendors and customers. Ensures accuracy of information by analysis or audit and/or benchmarking along with managing day to day administration for purchases and/or payables activities in an accurate and timely manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviews purchase requisitions for applicable requirements.
• Analyzes complex acquisitions of equipment.
• Assists in the resolution of supplier performance issues.
• Communicates with departments within Financial Affairs to ensure compliance with UAB Policy and Procedures, Alabama Bid Law, etc.
• Manages the procurement process from purchase requisition to payment.
• Determines most appropriate method of procurement i.e. competitive bidding or sole source justification, lease, purchase, equipment rentals, etc.
• Serves as a liaison between departments, including but not limited to, University Purchasing, Office of Sponsored Programs and Government Funding Agencies.
• Applies UAB Policy and Procedure along with Alabama Bid Law to prepare various types of solicitations.
• Assists departments in identifying scope of work and specifications for competitive bid.
• Independently uses professional judgement to evaluate vendor bid responses based on price, quality, availability, reliability and technical support.
• Establishes criteria and develop plans related to enhancing processes.
• Negotiates contractual agreements with suppliers to ensure quality of service and performance, added value and minimize risk for the University.
• Interprets contract provisions include explaining contract processes, penalties and compliance terms to departments.
• May process and submit reports as needed for external and internal departments.
• May guide and assist departments with specialized purchases and/or rebate programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Salary

$50,050 - $51,551

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field and five (5) years of related experience required. Work experience may substitute for education requirement.

Preferred Skills & Knowledge:

• Purchasing experience in a higher education setting or large intuition/business.
• Overall understanding of buying & bids.
• Customer service skills.