Job Title:

 Purchasing Specialist

 Kent Campus - Kent, OH 

Salary:

 $17.31 

Basic Function:

Administers activities involved in the procurement, distribution, and payment of supplies and equipment for department stockroom which services a large number of research or teaching laboratory rooms. Reports to designated administrator.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Coordinates procurement of orders to include processing payments, identifying appropriate payment method, and reconciling for completeness and accuracy; researches and resolves discrepancies.

Maintains files to include, purchase orders, proof of purchase, proof of delivery, pricing quotes, receipts and other necessary documents.

Communicates with vendors to obtain quotes of services or goods; ensures that products are delivered according to schedule and that purchasing terms and conditions are clear and agreed upon, including tax exemption status; researches and resolves discrepancies.

Researches and identifies new vendors or contractors based on needs of department.

Responds to faculty, staff and student inquires related to orders and vendor payments; provides explanation of university policies and procedures.

Monitors spending activity for supplies and equipment funded by faculty and student awards.

Assists with formulating and implementing guidelines and procedures for ordering.

Coordinates and arranges for delivery of supplies and equipment and arranges for pick-up of outgoing shipments.

Collaborates with and supports other administrative functions such as inventory, scheduling, contracts, building work orders, key requests, and providing over the counter service for faculty, staff, and students.

Trains and supervises student employees.

May work with the Office of General Counsel to review contracts.

May assist with internal audits.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent. Two years of experience in purchasing, accounts payable or related area.

License/Certification:

Valid Ohio driver's license with safe driving record, if driving required by position.

Knowledge Of:

Software used to order and track goods and services
Office practices and procedures

Skill In:

Written, verbal and interpersonal communication to effectively interact with internal and external constituents
Problem solving that include presenting alternate solutions on a routine basis

Ability To:

Manage time effectively and set priorities
Organize and prioritize tasks and projects
Provide customer service
Accurately perform basic and intermediate mathematical computations (e.g., add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, calculate percentages)
Analyze several pieces of information and draw valid conclusions
Maintain accurate records
Use administrative computing systems
Learn and utilize specific software applications
Demonstrate physical dexterity and lift 50 pounds
Drive vehicle to pick-up and deliver supplies and equipment

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Exerting up to 25 pounds of force frequently to move objects and up to 50 pounds of force occasionally. Incumbent must be able to communicate with others. Incumbent is required to travel from building to building occasionally and off campus occasionally.

Working Schedule:

 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; however, schedule may vary to meet departmental needs.

Additional Information:

Must pass a security check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr. 

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.