Purchasing Agent
Ball State University
Muncie, IN
Job posting number: #7309525 (Ref:BSU48268)
Posted: May 30, 2025
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
Procure supplies, equipment, and services in a timely manner from reliable sources while maximizing value and meeting the quality standards of the university; provide assistance in the public works process while adhering to the federal, state, local, and university laws and regulations.
Job Function:
Procure supplies, equipment, and services in a timely manner from reliable sources while maximizing value and meeting the quality standards of the university; provide assistance in the public works process while adhering to the federal, state, local, and university laws and regulations.
Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Education:
Graduate study in technology management or related field.
Minimum Experience:
Over two years procurement of goods and services experience.
Preferred Experience:
Additional years of related experience. Experience in a higher educational environment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Negotiate and monitor addition of, and existing, e-procurement suppliers in SciQuest purchasing software.
- Obtain supplies, equipment and services; review, alter (if necessary) and approve purchase orders derived from requisitions; determine price, delivery, shipping, payment terms of supplies and equipment services to be ordered.
- Generate and award Request for Proposal (RFP) when assigned; manage and utilize RFP set by contract.
- Share responsibilities in public works process by attending bid openings, recording bids, and keeping abreast with current projects to enable the ability to substitute for Purchasing Coordinator when absent.
- Analyze purchasing data and recommend action to improve efficiency and value in the purchasing process up to and including the addition, removal or consolidation of showcase suppliers.
- Communicate with vendor representatives, faculty, and staff; negotiate; mediate disputes between university and vendors to resolve discrepancies; make adjustments and expedite.
- Represent the university at public and association conferences; keep abreast of constantly changing laws, markets, and technology through readings and attending trade shows, seminars, and professional meetings.
- Act as a point of solution for departments with purchasing concerns and issues; recommend steps to successfully accomplish desired result.
- Develop and maintain sources of supply to generate a competitive market and to provide uninterrupted supply for the university.
- Develop and write general specifications; approve detailed specifications and contracts; amend as necessary to insure compliance with university bidding procedure.
- Maintain accurate records and controls; document transactions to provide an audit trail and insure integrity.
- Provide support in the development of procedures in relation to certain university, commodity standardization; recommend, when appropriate, changes in policies, procedures and products as they relate to the procurement function.
- Assist with special projects.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
At Ball State University, we recognize inclusive excellence as an integral endeavor to fulfill our University’s mission and our strategic plan. We recruit, support, and retain a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. We encourage and reward diversity of thought. We promote a work environment that encourages and rewards innovation and creativity. We pledge to keep Inclusive Excellence at the highest level of institutional importance and as a foundation in all that we strive to do. Our over-arching goal for Inclusive Excellence is to adopt a university-wide Inclusive Excellence approach to academic, administrative support, and service functions of the university. We believe Inclusive Excellence must be infused in every step we take.
