Purchasing Agent 2 - State College, United States - Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

We are searching for an experienced Purchasing Agent to join our Business Services Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Process purchase orders for assigned requisitions that are normally moderately to more complex procurements, which may include: higher dollar orders, service orders, and/or may involve negotiating vendor agreements/contracts and/or vendor terms & conditions in accordance with University policies and government procurement/contract regulations as applicable. A majority of assigned requisitions will involve federal government/ sponsored funds, which require knowledge of and working experience in using FARS/DFARS regulations regarding procurement and contracts.
• Negotiate with vendors; establish agreements/contracts with vendors; review agreements/contracts/terms and conditions to assess risk factors and prepare required internal risk assessment forms; fully document all purchase orders to support future audit of records; obtain required certificate of insurance or other certifications as may be required to support purchase order; etc.
• Monitor and evaluate vendor performance and compliance
• Research potential new products and sources of supply; may serve as a liaison with University departments and outside organizations; may serve as a mentor to lower level purchasing staff, temporary staff, and/or student interns; as well as provide training to said group
• Develop and issue Request for Quotations or Request for Proposals which shall include working in secure computer network as required; obtain vendor responses to RFQ/RFP; create summary of quotes received with details; working with internal customers as well as with suppliers to answer questions that may arise; etc.
• Monitor customer satisfaction, provide information to internal customers regarding purchasing processes and regulations, and solve problems efficiently and effectively
• Use electronic systems to conduct business transactions, compile vendor information, and create various reports
• Participate in various audits as requested by management; review, evaluate and/or manage purchasing related agreements/contracts
• Work in team environment as may be required but shall complete all assigned tasking taking individual responsibility/accountability

This position will be filled as a Level 2. Typical requirements include a Bachelor's Degree or higher, plus 4 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Experience in reviewing and negotiating Agreement/Contract/Terms and Conditions language
• Ability to obtain a government security clearance
• Documented minimum of 4 years of Government or government contractor procurement experience at a mid-level position
• Documented FAR/DFARS knowledge/experience relative to government procurement/contracting
• Documented experience in creating, issuing, and evaluation of responses received for Requests for Quotation / Requests for Proposal
• Involvement and knowledge of procurement audits
• Excellent Customer Service skills
• Proficient in using MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe, and Outlook

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• SAP financial system experience
• Process Improvement skills/experience

Your working location will be either hybrid on-site/work from home located in State College, PA or fully remote as yet to be determined.

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at