Purchasing Agent III

Full Job Description

Join our team at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) where you can work for an amazing agency that strives to make a difference every day. We are looking for a Purchasing Agent III with excellent customer service skills to assist with the procurement of goods and services for the Board of Education. If you have an affinity for karaoke and dad jokes, this is the job for you.

Roles and Responsibilities
The Purchasing Agent will serve as a point of contact for USBE staff with regard to purchasing and contracts. Duties include:

• Conducts various types of solicitations and other purchasing processes, including, but not limited to, RFPs, RFSQs, bids, sole sources, small purchases, etc.
• Writes, reviews, and/or negotiates grants, contracts and/or agreements.
• Assists with drafting training materials, policies/procedures, desk manuals/standard operating procedures, etc.
• Assists with maintaining an internal contract repository.
• Reviews and/or inspects work for quality, accuracy, and completeness.
• Negotiates or mediates issues with internal and/or external agency representatives, and/or concerned outside parties or their representatives. Settles or resolves issues or complaints.
• Acts as a resource to provide information or determine the most effective way of meeting the needs of management, staff, clients or customers.
• Coordinates and/or acts as a liaison between, agency or work unit and other agencies, work units, organizations, suppliers, etc.
• Maintaining or creating files or record-keeping systems including sorting, labeling, filing, and retrieving documents as requested.
• Maintaining tracking sheets for agency procurements.
• Entering information into the state financial system to create vendor numbers, update vendor information, and create purchase orders.
• Assisting other purchasing staff with coordinating purchases for USBE, receiving purchasing requisitions, and reviewing documents for completeness.
• Provides technical assistance on agency issues, services, program(s), and/or computer hardware and software, etc.
• Analyzes, summarizes and/or reviews data; reports findings, interprets results and/or makes recommendations.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal and/or state laws, regulations, and/or agency rules, standards and guidelines, etc.
• Conducts investigations into allegations of a variety of inappropriate activities, rules infractions or illegal actions.
• Monitors frequency of purchases and recommends possible options to increase effectiveness of purchasing power.
• Reviews documents and reconciles discrepancies; makes needed adjustments.
• Obtains, documents, and tabulates quotes on items covered by existing contracts.
• Gathers data, prepares reports or summarizes information.
• Completing other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
The ideal candidate for this position is someone who:

• Has a positive attitude and can bring energy and enthusiasm to the team.
• Communicate challenging concepts clearly and concisely.
• Understands and can apply legal requirements, including code, rule, and policies
• Has procurement experience with the State or other public entity.
• Has experience with the State's finance system.
• Has professional experience creating or maintaining a physical and electronic filing system.
• Has exceptional customer service skills and is able to work well under pressure.
• Works well independently as well as part of a team in a hybrid working environment.
• Is willing to learn and is adaptable.
• Has a CPPB, NIGP-CPP, CPPO or willing to obtain certification within 3 years.

What's In It For You?
Working for USBE affords you the opportunity to help make a difference across the State. You get to do what you love while maintaining your work/life balance. Additionally, you will receive an excellent compensation package which includes generous paid time off, top notch retirement plan options, and a variety of medical insurance plans. This allows you to stay healthy, secure your financial future, and spend more time with loved ones. For more information on the benefits we offer please click here.

The Agency
The Utah State Board of Education is committed to hiring the best candidates to serve Utah students. To learn more about USBE please click here.

Additional Information

• Successful completion of a criminal background check
• 2 days in office required, 3 days work remotely.