Procurement Administrator

One of the top-ranked universities in the country, Northwestern University, combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment that transcends traditional academic boundaries. Northwestern provides students, faculty and staff with exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth in a setting enhanced by the richness of Chicago.

Job Summary:

This position is within Purchasing Resource Services (PRS), a part of University Services. PRS is the central procurement office and provides purchasing assistance to University schools/departments in a decentralized environment. This includes maintaining a close working relationship with Accounts Payable, Financial Systems, Accounting Services, Purchasing Order Processing Services (POPS), the Office of General Counsel, Auditing, and the Research Community. The position will primarily be responsible for handling all aspects of the bid and contract administration process.
REQUIREMENTS
Specific Responsibilities:

*Performing "Invitations to Bid" for University wide contracts and assisting schools/departments with their "Invitations to Bid";
*Developing specifications, requirements, and terms and conditions;
*Soliciting bids;
*Analyzing bid responses for responsiveness to requirements;
*Coordinating evaluation committee consisting of other departments and schools;
*Awarding contracts to the vendors that offer the best value to the University;
*Developing formal contract documents;
*Monitoring contract compliance;
*Monitoring and tracking discounts and the receipt of rebates and reports, when applicable;
*Validating that the University is receiving correct pricing;
*Issuing change notices;
*Assisting in promoting agreements to departments/schools;
*Generating spend analysis reports;
*Mediating and resolving conflicts;
*Leading the Surplus Property Program;
*Maintaining the process for the sale and redistribution of surplus property at the University;
*Assisting with the Supplier Diversity Program, when necessary;
*Seeking out and evaluating potential supplier diversity vendors to promote to end users;
*Coordinating Supplier Diversity representatives from departments and schools;
*Periodically acting as the University representative at various supplier diversity events;
*Assisting with planning of NU supplier diversity conference;
*Maintaining certification information and web site;
*Assisting with market program to University community and promoting program awareness and education to University buyers;
*Assisting with the Small Business Plan Development and Reporting effort, when necessary
*Assisting in the development of small business plans for grants;
*Working with ORSP regarding required reporting for small business plans;
*Negotiating non-exclusive price agreements;
*Monitoring usage reports to look for contracting opportunities;
*Meeting with vendors to review relative product information, price, and service;
*Conducting and developing internal information/training sessions and arranging for vendor presentations;
*Assisting with content for PRS newsletter and web site;
*Assisting with maintaining contract list;
*Assisting with documenting PRS processes and procedures;
*Assisting with planning of NU vendor show;
*Fulfilling requests for credit applications;
*Assisting with maintaining tax exempt information and fulfilling requests for tax exemption documentation;
*Assisting in handling general issues and problems communicated to PRS by departments and schools (reported on PRS telephone line or e-mail);
*Reviewing and approving Sole Source Justification and Bid Documentation Forms for department and school purchases, when necessary;
*Performing other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

*A bachelor's degree in business or related field, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired;
*Two to five years' purchasing experience preferably in higher education, or equivalent experience in a related service industry;
*Demonstrated efficiency and initiative;
*Previous demonstrated experience with negotiations;
*Demonstrated analysis skills;
*Strong computer skills, especially with word processing and spreadsheets;
*Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

*Professional purchasing certification;
*Experience working in a University environment;
*Consistently displayed accuracy and attention to detail;
*Demonstrated dependability;
*Ability to be a strong team player.

To Apply:
Northwestern University offers a comprehensive benefit plan, including tuition discounts. All resumes for this position must be received through the electronic recruiting system. For consideration, please click on the link below. You will be directed to Northwestern University's electronic recruiting system, eRecruit, where you will search and apply for current openings. To apply for this position in eRecruit, enter the requisition number (10608) or the position title in the appropriate search field. Once you apply, you will receive an email confirming submission of your resume. For all resumes received, if there is interest in your candidacy, the human resources recruiter or the department hiring manager will contact you. Requisition number for this position is #10608.

http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/careers

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. Members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.