Buyer

Job Overview The Buyer provides advanced operational purchasing support for technology‑related goods and services within the University's centralized purchasing shared services function. This role is responsible for independently executing and coordinating technology purchasing activity, ensuring compliance with University policies, competitive purchasing requirements, and applicable regulations. Working closely with the Shared Services Manager, Senior Buyer, and Strategic Sourcing, this role ensures technology purchases are executed accurately, consistently, and in alignment with established sourcing strategies and contracts. Essential Functions Execute and coordinate purchasing transactions for technology‑related goods and services, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with University policies and procedures. Serve as operational purchasing contact for Digital Technology Solutions, supporting routine purchasing needs and escalating complex or nonstandard issues as appropriate. Prepare and review purchase orders and related documentation for technology purchases, including transactions below formal bid thresholds. Apply competitive purchasing requirements to operational technology purchases, including preparation of appropriate supplier selection rationale and basis‑of‑award documentation. Coordinate technology contract‑related purchasing activities, including renewals, amendments, and purchase order changes, within established procurement and sourcing frameworks. Partner with Strategic Sourcing to ensure alignment with enterprise contracts, sourcing strategies, and formal sourcing events for technology goods and services. Support review, routing, and resolution of technology‑related invoices in coordination with Accounts Payable and vendors. Provide guidance, review, and day‑to‑day support to an Associate Buyer, Technology; gradually delegate routine transactional work as proficiency develops. Maintain accurate purchasing documentation to support audit readiness, compliance review, and internal reporting. Collaborate with IT, Contract Compliance, Finance, Asset Management, Risk Management, and other stakeholders to resolve procurement‑related issues. Identify recurring technology purchasing challenges and recommend process or workflow improvements to shared services leadership. Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal customers and external suppliers to support timely issue resolution and service delivery. Participate in training and continuous improvement efforts related to purchasing processes and systems. Perform related duties based on departmental need; this job description may change at any time. Required Education Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, information technology, finance, or a related field. Eight (8) years of relevant education, experience, and/or other specialized training can fulfill minimum education and experience requirements. Required Experience Four (4) years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or a related operational role. Experience supporting technology‑related purchasing activities. Experience coordinating purchasing transactions, working with vendors, and supporting internal customers. Additional Qualifications Considered Supervisory experience. Experience in higher education or public sector procurement. Familiarity with technology purchasing concepts, including software, hardware, maintenance, and subscription‑based services. Experience working in a shared services or centralized procurement environment. Experience using eProcurement or financial systems. Ability to review and guide purchasing work performed by less‑experienced staff. Strong organizational, customer service, and communication skills. Physical Requirements/Work Environment Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands. Compensation and Benefits UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well‑being, financial security, and work‑life balance. Highlights include: Comprehensive Tuition Remission UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university. Robust Retirement Plans As a UC employee, you won't contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you'll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14‑18% of your salary based on position. Real Work‑Life Balance UC prioritizes work‑life balance with a generous time‑off policy, including: Vacation and sick time 11 paid holidays and additional end‑of‑year paid time off (Winter Season Days) 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents Additional Benefits Include: Competitive salary based on experience Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription) Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs Professional development & mentorship opportunities Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans. #J-18808-Ljbffr