Associate Buyer, Technology, Purchasing Services, Administration & Finance

Job Overview The Associate Buyer provides mid-level professional purchasing support for goods and services within the University's centralized purchasing shared services function. This role supports day‑to‑day purchasing operations by preparing requisitions and purchase orders, maintaining required documentation, and assisting with issue resolution in accordance with University policies and procedures. Essential Functions Support routine operational purchasing activities for goods and services under the direction of both the Buyer and Shared Services Manager. Prepare and update requisitions and related purchasing documentation in support of purchase order creation. Prepare requisitions for conversion into purchase orders, including ensuring appropriate documentation of sourcing rationale, supplier selection, pricing, and vendor instructions for purchases under established bid thresholds. Support the routing of contracts and purchasing documents for review, including identifying business terms or conditions that may require clarification, challenge, or escalation by decentralized departments. Operate within a shared services environment where purchasing work is assigned based on workload and capacity and provide backup support across transaction types as needed. Assume ownership of at least two defined purchasing work processes, including maintaining current job aids, step‑by‑step instructions, and reference materials; updating documentation to reflect policy, process, or system changes; and serving as a point of contact for questions related to assigned processes. Serve as a designated backup for other Associate Buyers assigned work processes to ensure continuity of operations. Support supplier onboarding and maintenance activities assigned, which may include entry and validation of supplier data within University systems in coordination with established procurement and accounts payable processes. Assist with coordination of vendors and internal customers to address routine ordering, invoicing, and payment issues. Maintain organized purchasing records to support audit readiness, compliance review, and operational reporting. Participate in training and professional development activities to build procurement knowledge, policy awareness, and system proficiency. Support a customer‑focused shared services model by responding professionally and timely to internal stakeholder inquiries. Perform related duties based on departmental need; this job description may change at any time. Required Education Bachelor's degree in business, finance, supply chain, information technology, or a related field. Six (6) years of relevant education, experience and/or other specialized training can fulfill minimum education and experience requirements. Required Experience Two (2) years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or a related operational role. Demonstrated administrative or operational experience in a professional office environment. Experience following defined procedures and maintaining accurate documentation. Experience providing customer service or operational support to internal stakeholders. Additional Qualifications Considered Experience in purchasing, procurement, finance, or administrative support functions. Familiarity with technology‑related goods or services (e.g., hardware, software, subscriptions). Experience working in a shared services or centralized support environment. Experience using financial, administrative, or eProcurement systems. Experience documenting processes or creating job aids or reference materials. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and willingness to learn. Effective communication and collaboration skills. Physical Requirements/Work Environment Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands. Compensation and Benefits Salary/Hourly Pay Rate Information 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 UC is an E‑Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I‑9 process. 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 University of Cincinnati