Managing Purchasing Agent

Utah Retirement Systems provides benefits for state and other Utah Public employees through the work of two divisions. The Retirement Office administers pension and retirement benefits. PEHP Health & Benefits specializes in medical, dental, life, and other benefits. We take pride in providing a peace of mind for thousands of Utah families. We are committed to our public mission and maintaining a positive team environment. We offer a competitive salary, and our benefits far exceed what most modern employers offer.

Position Summary:

Performs a variety of administrative and managerial duties related to planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the day-to-day functions of the procurement staff. Performs a wide variety of purchasing duties required for planning and evaluating department needs, analyzing a variety of product specifications, vendor information, market forces and oversight of staff. Provides direction and guidance on policies, regulations, and procedures to prepare and audit quotes, bids, requests for proposal (RFPs), requisitions, and contracts. Assists management in the negotiation and renewal of vendor contracts for the purchase of all materials, supplies, equipment, and services for URS/PEHP.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Education and Experience

Bachelors degree in business, marketing, accounting, finance, or a related field and 4 (four) years of experience in purchasing, auditing, accounting, contract management or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certification as a Certified Public Purchasing Officer or Certified Professional Public Buyer is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job. It is not all-inclusive and may vary from position to position:

Required technical skills include the working knowledge of and ability of:

• Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and similar software packages to produce reports.
• Accounting software.
• Analyzing a variety of procurement issues and problems and make recommendations.

Required working knowledge of finance:

• Budget development and fiscal accounting principles, practices and procedures, and related auditing procedures.
• Interpretation of URS, State, and Federal laws and guidelines.

Required mathematical skills include extensive knowledge of:

• Calculating figures such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, and ratios.
• Concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Inventory calculations and projections.
• Budgeting techniques and projections.

Must possess excellent communication and comprehension skills:

• Read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, regulations, and Office and State policies.
• Prepare reports for department directors and other department heads.
• Write business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Communicate with department heads to resolve problems.
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

Required extensive knowledge of:

• Purchasing practices, procedures, regulations, principles, and methods.
• Negotiation techniques.
• Training methods.
• Principles organizational design, supervision, and motivation.

Must have the ability to:

• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Draft technical reports, documents and agreements.
• Prioritize work.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with executives (public and private), department heads, coworkers, and the public.
• Multi-task by handling a variety of duties in a timely and efficient manner.
• Follow through with assignments.
• Deal effectively with stress caused by workload and time deadlines.

The incumbent must always demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values of URS.

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities which do not generally involve muscular strain, but do require activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions.