• Position Summary

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success.  West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Finance and Business Services team invites applicants for the position of Purchasing Agent.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with generous retirement plans; many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities. 

The Finance and Administration Division is a team of dedicated professionals committed to the good stewardship of the University’s financial, physical, and human resources. The division provides a wide range of support functions that are vital to the operation of the University and to the success of students, faculty, and staff with the goals to provide high-quality services, enhance the learning experience, and ensure safe and functional living and learning environments at West Chester University.

Reporting to the Assistant Purchasing Manager, the Purchasing Agent supports the efficient and cost-effective procurement and contracting of goods and services for the University and the issuance of bids and Requests for Proposals; adheres to Commonwealth of PA laws and Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and University guidelines; and collaborates with vendors and the campus community.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate purchasing and procurement experience working in a high-volume, and deadline driven environment; the ability to provide excellent customer service to a diverse campus community including vendors, staff, faculty, and other campus partners; the ability to work independently and problem solve; and manage multiple priorities; and attention to detail.

Responsibilities include: 

• Support University departments in the efficient and cost-effective procurement of goods including supplies, materials, equipment, and services
• Manage formal and informal bidding, RFP development and implementation, and the creation and administration of contracts with supervisor oversight
• Adhere to guidelines of the Procurement Code (ACT 57) and established PASSHE and WCU Purchasing policies and procedures
• Update database to create encumbrances and generate purchase orders  
• Research new sources for commodities and services 
• Create and manage vendor relationships  
• Respond to end user request for pricing and availability of goods and services
• Provide information and statuses of pending orders    
• Assist campus partners during the RFP process
• Inform departments when contracts will expire and request new electronic requisition 
• Reconcile all discrepancies, expedite all purchase orders, including back orders, and resolve other issues
• Other duties as assigned

• Minimum Qualifications

•  

  • Three years of purchasing work involving contact with vendors in the procurement of a variety of supplies, materials, equipment, and services OR 
  • Three years of experience in requisitioning, receiving, storing, distributing, and maintaining inventory of goods OR 
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training. Post-high school instruction may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for purchasing or stores experience to a maximum of two years

   

  Required Knowledge, Skills & 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

   

• Preferred Qualifications

•  

  • Experience obtaining quotes
  • Excellent written communication skills
  • Customer service experience 
  • Experience creating reports and managing data
  • Experience working with systems used in higher education including SAP and BI

   

• Special Instructions

•  

  Ask about the opportunity to work from home and alternate work schedules.

   

  Candidates should apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa.

   

  Application allows for cover letter, resume and three references with contact information (All required for consideration.)

   

  Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered as a finalist.

   

  All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks.

   

  Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University's educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action - Equal Opportunity employer.

Requirements

• Start Date: No Start Date
• Education: High School or Equivalent
• Work Experience: 0 - 2 years
• Part/Full Time: Full-Time

Contact / Additional Information

Candidates should apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa.

Application allows for cover letter, resume and three references with contact information (All required for consideration.)