Buyer (Procurement & Contracts Agent)

Job Purpose: Procures supplies, equipment, materials and services in the most cost-effective manner. Administers moderately complex purchasing processes in accordance with OUC policies and procedures. Act as a liaison between internal and external customers, such as suppliers and internal departments. Negotiates pricing, contracts and builds strong professional relationships with both internal and external customers. Primary Functions: Receive, review, and understand specifications related to moderately complex procurement requests; evaluate responses from suppliers and make recommendations to management; notify suppliers of award and complete the contract(s); Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers for purchasing supplies, equipment, materials, and services that are moderate in size, scope, risk and cost; Serve as the subject matter expert in the notification systems (e.g. Vendorlink) and utilize appropriate financial and sourcing systems for tracking and managing contracts and purchases. Create and process contracts, extensions and amendments; review contracts and purchase orders for items that are moderate in cost and complexity; research and update delivery timelines for materials to support end-users with project planning; Create Purchase Orders (PO) from order requisitions; review and manage order requisition report to area business unit; issue PO to suppliers for acknowledgement; process change orders and administrative changes; Review market research and supplier information for most cost-effective and competitive pricing for materials and services; Create evaluation criteria matrix, analyze commercial offers and make recommendations; Identify new business opportunities consistent with business short and long-term strategies; Manage purchasing activities for materials and services, both indirect and direct that have moderate levels of risk; Collaborate with end users to plan projects, establish goals/requirements, best project approach, assess risks, develop strategies, establish terms and schedule material and service needs; Utilize a variety of reports to track the status of purchasing activities and outcomes; Maintain vendor and supplier databases and logs, collect historical data, and identify trends in supplier costing and performance; Coordinate and lead the evaluation committee meetings; prepare documents, spreadsheets and correspondence to provide feedback on best practices and evaluation decisions; Perform other duties as assigned.