Sr. Buyer/Procurement Specialist

Princeton University’s Office of Finance and Treasury seeks an accomplished procurement specialist for a position in the central Procurement Services function. This role requires an influential and capable individual who can exercise good judgment, collaborate effectively, and drive process improvements across the Source-to-Pay (S2P) lifecycle while balancing the demanding and challenging requirements of a dynamic, world class education and research institution.

The procurement specialist employs a consultative approach, collaborating with campus partners to educate, guide, and influence best practices. The individual in this role is expected to exercise high levels of judgment, wisdom, and initiative to enhance value, minimize risk, and expand the use of diverse suppliers. In support of campus partners and procurement category managers, this role leads sourcing events for goods and services, negotiates and executes contracts, and enhances the user procurement experience.

Finally, this role is the escalation point for campus department buyers, managers, suppliers, and internal Finance and Treasury stakeholders. The ability to resolve a wide range of issues across the S2P lifecycle in a collaborative and courteous manner requires high levels of both technical and interpersonal skills.

Requisition Processing and Compliance

• Collaborate with campus partners in assigned categories to ensure contracts, purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and payments are transacted efficiently and effectively
• Review, evaluate, and approve purchase requisitions within an e-Procurement system and initiate and implement process improvements which improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the e- procurement process
• Use judgment and take necessary action to ensure selected suppliers are appropriate, terms of the agreement protect the University, value is optimized, and diverse suppliers are provided fair and equitable opportunities to win University business
• Utilize interpersonal skills and well-reasoned judgment to balance and resolve conflicting demands and create optimal solutions that meet the needs of our researchers while delivering value and protection to the University

Tactical Sourcing & Contracting

• Develop and execute Requests for Information (RFI) and Requests for Proposal (RFP) as necessary in support of campus and category management objectives
• Negotiate and develop contracts navigating the complexities of a world class research institution to find the right balance between value, risk, and social objectives
• Manage assigned contracts in collaboration with Category Manager to ensure the portfolio of contract suppliers meets the current and future needs of the University
• Create and manage the contract and catalog data to ensure a simplified purchasing process
• Using robust analytics, identify sourcing opportunities and process improvements which will benefit the campus community

Buying Support

• Resolve supplier, procurement, and fulfillment issues as necessary in support of campus departments
• Utilize prioritization, collaboration, and judgment to provide high levels of service
• Use available data to develop and communicate insights into common and recurring issues in order to leverage resources appropriately
• Lead training sessions to provide guidance to campus stakeholders regarding transactions, concepts, and procedures for sourcing and procurement

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and strongly related experience or 5-7 years’ experience in a sourcing and procurement profession
• Strong negotiation skills and contracts experience and ability to navigate and communicate the complexities of legal terms
• Excellent procurement skills and experiences
• Experience with electronic sourcing and procurement tools
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with the ability to influence others
• Ability to manage a portfolio of responsibilities and the analytical skills necessary to prioritize and optimize multiple priorities and objectives
• Excellent skills with Microsoft Office Tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with building and grounds maintenance and operations
• Experience with technology and scientific equipment and services
• Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and/or Uniform Guidance
• Process and project management experience
• CPM or CPSM certification

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.