Buyer (Full-Time) - Purchasing - Remote

Position Overview:

The University of Minnesota seeks a Purchasing Coordinator to support our Financial Operation Center department within the Controller’s Office. The Purchasing Coordinator is responsible for receiving, evaluating, processing, and coordinating a variety of requests for general and routine purchasing services in support of a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs) in the Finance Operations Center (FinOps). The Purchasing Coordinator communicates with other FinOps teams as needed, finance professionals across the University, and suppliers outside the University to ensure appropriate and timely support for RRCs. To succeed as a Purchasing Coordinator you should be professional, a team player, and attentive while being detail‑oriented. You must be comfortable using technology such as TeamDynamix (TDX) and Google Suite and excel at both verbal and written communication. Most importantly, a Purchasing Coordinator should have a genuine desire to meet the needs of others across the institution. You will report to the Purchasing Supervisor.
This is a PEAK position.

Work environment:
Hybrid (minimum three days in the office). This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus for those located in the metro area. Applicants located near other UMN system campuses or working remotely from home may also be considered, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required for events and all‑staff meetings.

Responsibilities:
Purchasing (85%)

Under general supervision, uses information and requests received from a portfolio of RRCs to complete the entry of data into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) for purchasing functions following University standard processes and procedures for U Market shopping and order completion, requisition entries, and supplier set up.

Understands, strictly adheres to, and can explain University purchasing policies and procedures and applies policies to various purchasing scenarios appropriately.

Conducts research on potential vendors, products, and services. Escalates requests as needed to ensure competitive sourcing is pursued whenever practicable.

Identifies when legal terms and conditions apply and, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensures contracts are routed to OGC for appropriate review.

Follows University policy to identify, collect, and draft documentation as required to support a wide variety of purchases.

Following strict SOPs, works with the Purchasing unit in the Controller’s Office to assist collecting required documentation for purchases.

Identifies transactions, policy, or system challenges that require escalation to ensure successful resolution and accurate transaction entry.

Follows established business procedure to identify, collect, and draft required documentation to request a new supplier or request changes to an existing supplier and submits the request for approval.

Enters and monitors requisitions to ensure approvals and budget checks have occurred in accordance with established business processes.

Think critically about need, funding source, and cost. Applies knowledge of standard processes and University purchasing methods to ensure the most cost efficient and expeditious outcome of purchasing activity for the University.

Understands key concepts for purchasing such as price reasonableness, competitive sourcing, and applicable University policies.

Professional Development (10%)

Contributes to documentation of and participates in training for procedures for the Finance Operations Center.

Identifies and participates in opportunities for cross‑training across Finance Operations Center functions to maintain adequate coverage of all functions.

Completes professional development, education, and training activities, consistent with performing the responsibilities of the position. Completes continued learning and development appropriate to work duties and for the pursuit of individual, unit, and institutional success.

Participates in staff development based on individual need including ongoing skills training, DEI development, professional learning, service & scholarly activity, and engagement & well‑being.

As an individual contributor, models and contributes to crafting an inclusive work environment and encouraging a caring culture.

Other duties as assigned (5%).

Required Qualifications:

High school diploma/GED and four years of general purchasing experience.

Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (e.g., chat, word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing).

Ability to read, interpret, and compile information according to prescribed methods.

Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel.

Understands key purchasing functions and other guiding concepts with proficiency.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of university policies and procedures involving purchasing.

Pay Range:
$23.32/hr - $29.00/hr (Depends on education, qualifications, and experience).

Time Appointment:
100% Appointment.

Position Type:
Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff.

Benefits:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.

Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.

Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.

Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.

University HSA contributions.

Disability and employer‑paid life insurance.

Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.

Financial counseling services.

Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.

Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

Seniority level:

Entry level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:

Purchasing and Administrative

Industries:

Higher Education

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