Position Summary The Buyer I is an entry-level position that works under the guidance of higher-level purchasing staff. Work is generally confined to routine purchasing/expediting activities. Purchasing authority is limited and clearly defined. The Buer I should have general knowledge of purchasing principles, practices, and procedures; knowledge of demonstrated ability to learn quickly, including competitive bidding, as required by the California State Statutes and Codes.
Typical duties include but are not limited to:
- Requisition review and order processing.
- Locate suitable vendors for sourcing bids.
- Obtain pricing, availability, payment terms, and material quality from one or more vendors.
- Consult with departments on the acceptability of materials offered.
Review and evaluate price quotations and submit results to the supervisor for review and confirmation of proceeding when the purchase exceeds dollar authority. - Assess the need for special handling due to the packaging, availability, and urgency.
- Preparation, research, negotiation, review, organization, and final execution of routine, low-risk contractual documents for various campus departments.
- Works with lead or supervisor to develop bid specifications and evaluation in accordance with State of California and University policies and procedures.
- May conduct pre-bid conferences with vendors and administrative staff.
- Informs and advises suppliers of University policies, procedures, and other compliance requirements.
- Works closely with the lead or supervisor to ensure processes are performed appropriately.
- Coordinates efforts for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), small business, and sustainability participation.
- Consult with the originating department regarding the acceptability of materials or services offered prior to awarding the order.
- Under supervision, responsible for the negotiation, formulation, preparation, and finalization of various service agreements, maintenance agreements, and equipment leases.
- Using emails, phone calls, and in-person visits, work with the campus community and suppliers to answer questions, provide information, respond to problems, and provide training as applicable to procurement processes.
- Work closely with Accounts Payable, the ordering department, and Receiving to ensure that orders are filled correctly and in a timely manner.
- Prepare any necessary documents and compose correspondence to vendors concerning outstanding problems. Elevate when all follow-up methods have been exhausted.
- Review outstanding orders and encumbrances to clean up orders and account funding.
This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits-eligible, permanent/probationary position. It is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but they may vary based on operational needs.
This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.
Department Summary The Contract and Procurement Management office is responsible for contract administration and procurement processes for San Diego State University, including the Imperial Valley campus. Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director, Contract and Procurement Management, our mission is to respond to the needs of multiple faculty and staff clients and comply with State legislated purchasing mandates and campus policy. The Contract and Procurement Management office is a fully automated, large-scale unit. It encompasses a wide variety of functions, from contract and lease negotiations to basic purchasing services for equipment, supplies, materials, and professional services to contracting capital and minor construction projects. Contract and Procurement Management consists of 8-10 Buyers, an Accounting Technician, an Administrative Analyst/Specialist, a Contracts Administration Manager, and an Associate Director.
Education and Experience Equivalent to one year of purchasing experience as a buyer or buyer trainee in a competitive bidding setting or in the processing or administration of contracts, service agreements or leases.
or
Equivalent to an undergraduate degree in purchasing, accounting, marketing, general business, or other appropriate field. Additional experience that has demonstrated that the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Key Qualifications - General clerical or administrative experience of at least one year of varied purchasing or accounting activities is preferred.
- Experience utilizing integrated computer software systems such as Oracle is preferred.
- Ability to quickly learn the purchasing methods and procedures, including the competitive bidding processes as required by the California State Statutes and Codes and University.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with vendors, faculty, students, administrators, and members of the general public;
- Ability to independently gather and analyze data necessary for informed purchasing decisions; read and write clearly in English; Analyze bids; and perform simple research.
- Ability to use computers and software (excel, work, etc.) and an integrated complex financial accounting system.
Compensation and Benefits Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $4,812 per month. Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.
San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here .
CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,700 - $6,692 per month.
Diversity and Community at SDSU At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.
Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. For more information, click here .
Principles of Community
At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.
SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.
Supplemental Information Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on April 15, 2024. To receive full consideration, apply by April 14, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.
The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here .
SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Casie Martinez at cmartinez12@sdsu.edu
Advertised: Mar 29 2024 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
Closing Date/Time:
