Account/Position No.: 40200/110210             Level 6

Position Title: Purchasing Agent

Department: Purchasing

Expectations for All Employees

East Tennessee State University pursues its mission based upon core values. An employee's job performance must support and exhibit the university's core values:

PEOPLE come first, are treated with dignity and respect, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential;
RELATIONSHIPS are built on honesty, integrity and trust;
DIVERSITY of people and thought is respected;
EXCELLENCE is achieved through teamwork, leadership, creativity, and a strong work ethic;
EFFICIENCY is achieved through wise use of human and financial resources; and COMMITMENT to intellectual achievement is embraced.

Responsible to the Associate Vice President for Procurement and Contract Services for the procurement of supplies and equipment for university departments; and performing other related duties as assigned.

- Maintains updated product/vendor information.

- Determines appropriate items to be bid; prepares bids, specifications and appropriate vendor lists and awards bids.

- Establishes current prices and verifies minimum orders and mailing addresses on items not formally bid.

- Assists departments in defining purchasing needs and resolving associated problems.

- Performs purchasing duties within state guidelines.

- Interviews vendor representatives.

- Acts as back-up in the absence of the Associate Vice President for Procurement and Contract Services.

- Performs other related duties as assigned.

- Knowledge of various products and pricing standards utilized by the university.

- Knowledge of university and Tennessee Board of Regents' purchasing policies and procedures.

- Ability to generate bid specifications.

- Ability to communicate effectively.

- Ability to exercise sound judgement in making decisions.

- Ability to formulate appropriate bid specifications.

- Ability to develop vendor representative contacts and bid lists.

- Ability to identify sources of supply.

- Ability to analyze bids and determine successful bidders.

Performs under general supervision. Determines own methods of performing assigned work.

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related area required; two to three years experience in purchasing required, governmental purchasing preferred; preferably in a setting of higher education.