A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The University of Michigan Procurement Services has an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Agent.  We invite qualified candidates to apply for this position and join this strategic procurement team. This position, reporting to the Procurement Supervisor for Print and Professional Services, will be responsible for the procurement of professional services, training, consulting services, commercial printing, equipment leasing, and other commodity categories as assigned. 

Our team strives to implement best-in-class supplier relationships and agreements that provide tangible benefits and value to the University. The successful candidate must be experienced working in a fast-paced work environment where he/she must manage multiple projects concurrently. Effort for this position includes preparing and awarding Request for Quotations (RFQ), Requests for Proposals (RFP), negotiating contract terms, managing strategic supplier relationships with an emphasis in professional services categories, projects that further departmental goals, and professional development.

The selected candidate will:

• Evaluate and process procurement requests, examining the request for clarity, appropriateness of purchase, bid specifications, and compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Determine customer expectations and develop timelines that satisfy the purchase requirements; clarify Scope of Work documents.
• Prepare and administer Request for Quotations/Proposals ensuring that specifications and deliverables meet the customer needs and business model.  Assist with evaluation and supplier selection and make the awards following the proper procurement process.
• Negotiate commercial terms and conditions favorable to the university.
• Process requests as required for purchase orders, negotiating favorable pricing and delivery following established University protocols and procedures.
• Effectively communicate all contractual requirements and procurement policies and procedures to university faculty, staff and external suppliers.

This position will also be responsible for managing the sourcing process for more complex departmental and strategic supplier agreements: 

• Work with departmental clients and/or focus teams to develop RFP scope and supplier list
• Lead pre-award proposal evaluations and supplier presentations
• Manage the award process and negotiate agreement terms with selected supplier(s)
• As applicable implement post award measures of supplier contract performance

Manage strategic supplier agreements and relationships in designated commodity categories:

• Manage the agreement lifecycle from post award supplier on-boarding through agreement close and supplier off-boarding
• Lead the management of the supplier relationships
• Coordinate marketing for promoting new awards and benefits to university community
• Maintain communications with focus groups as a measure of supplier performance
• Meet regularly with suppliers as appropriate to measure and enhance performance

Work closely with the procurement supervisor and other procurement leadership to develop and implement procurement initiatives that improve procurement processes, increase contract compliance, and reduce purchase and invoice transactions. 

Strong candidates will have prior purchasing experience with a concentration of skills in leading sourcing projects, the negotiation of contract terms and conditions as well as in supplier management, development of RFP/RFQ specifications.

In addition, this position requires: a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or related field or equivalent experience; 3 - 5 years relevant progressive purchasing experience; strong contracting and negotiation skills; excellent customer service and communication  skills in both written and verbal formats; organized, and ability to follow through with commitments, and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with all levels of an organization.  Proficient ability to use the Microsoft Office and Google suites and other hardware/software as needed. 

This role demands the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously, along with excellent leadership skills, including the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to make decisions without direct supervision within stated scope. 

Procurement Services seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to sustain the excellence of the university, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives and ways of knowing and learning.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.