Buyer - Purchasing - Full Time

Buyer I

Regular/Temporary: Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from five colleges:

Business Administration

Education

Engineering and Computing

Media, Arts, and Communication

Science and Humanities

The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

The Buyer I supports the University's procurement operations by processing and coordinating purchasing activities in compliance with University System of Georgia (USG) policies, State Purchasing Division regulations, and institutional procedures. This position reviews purchase requests, facilitates procurement transactions, and assists with sourcing and contract administration activities. The Buyer I serves as a resource to campus departments and contributes to efficient, compliant, and customer-focused procurement operations.

NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. Procurement Operations (80%)

Review purchase requisitions and supporting documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with policies.

Determine appropriate procurement methods according to USG and State guidelines.

Assist faculty and staff in procuring required materials and equipment by researching and supplying product information, pricing, and/or alternate items and sources.

Process purchase orders and transactions within the financial system.

Assist with solicitations (RFQs, RFPs, and other procurement events) including preparation and tracking.

Serve as liaison between departments and vendors for order status and issues.

Expedite orders and follow up on delivery timelines.

Maintain procurement records and files for audit compliance.

Ensure all procurement activities comply with policies and regulations.

Perform monthly reconciliation and documentation of P-Card activity.

Assist with procurement audits and documentation requests.

Training & Customer Support (5%)

Provide guidance to departments regarding procurement processes.

Assist with procurement training and outreach.

Respond to procurement-related inquiries.

Administrative & Professional Responsibilities (5%)

Support leadership with projects and process improvements.

Maintain knowledge of procurement regulations and best practices.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.

Two years of professional experience related to procurement, business administration, logistics, or contract administration.

Must meet and maintain the requirements to be issued a State Purchasing Card

Ability to obtain GCPA (Georgia Certified Purchasing Associate) and GCPM (Georgia Certified Purchasing Manager) within 12 months of hire.

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial or procurement systems.

Experience in higher education, government, or public-sector procurement, preferably State of Georgia and/or University System of Georgia.

Knowledge of PeopleSoft eProcurement systems, and/or Workday platform.

Completion of Georgia Certified Purchasing Associate (GCPA)

Ability to interpret financial data and prepare accurate reports.

Ability to apply state and USG procurement regulations consistently.

Strong customer-service orientation and ability to work collaboratively.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at

At Savannah State University, five core values shape everything we do:

Belonging - Building a community where all voices are valued and respected.

Collaboration - Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io must include a list containing the name, e-mail address and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, mentor, colleague).

Applicants must upload transcript(s) with the application.