Buyer, Senior (Multiple Positions)

This Buyer, Senior (Multiple Positions) position is with University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Process moderately complex purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders for varied goods, materials, equipment, and services in accordance with institutional procurement policies and procedures. Maintain procurement documentation and records in institutional systems to support compliance with audit requirements, enable reporting and analysis, and provide documentation for current and future institutional needs. Coordinate formal solicitation requests for quotes (RFQs) by reviewing specifications with stakeholders, evaluating responses, and recommending awards in accordance with institutional and applicable regulatory requirements. Conduct market research and evaluate suppliers to identify sources, analyze pricing trends, assess performance, and recommend vendors that meet institutional standards for quality, value, delivery, and compliance. Negotiate and administer contracts and agreements for goods, materials, equipment, and services by reviewing terms,coordinating with stakeholders and institutional offices, and monitoring compliance with institutional policies and regulatory standards. Monitor contract performance and renewal requirements to coordinate timely renewals, address performance issues, and ensure continuity of services and compliance with contractual obligations. Coordinate procurement activities with internal departments and external stakeholders to assess needs, establish timelines, provide guidance on purchasing processes, and support institutional programs and operational objectives. Provide procurement guidance and training to departmental personnel and support staff on purchasing processes,contracting requirements, institutional policies, and system procedures to enhance procurement capabilities and compliance. Knowledge: ABOR procurement policies, university procurement policies and procedures, and how delegated purchasing authority and dollar thresholds work. Federal procurement requirements that apply when sponsored funds are used, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and, where applicable, FAR/DFARS flow-down clauses. Public-sector competitive solicitation methods: RFQ, ITB, RFP, sole source and exemption justifications, and cooperative contracts. Contract law fundamentals, including terms and conditions, indemnification, insurance, limitation of liability, and public-entity restrictions. Supplier diversity, small business, and sustainability considerations in public procurement. Procurement and financial systems (e-procurement, P2P platforms, and ERP workflows). Public records, ethics, and conflict-of-interest requirements. Skills: Developing and managing solicitations: reviewing specifications and scopes of work for open competition, structuring evaluation criteria, and running a defensible competitive process. Negotiating pricing, terms, and service levels on major contracts. Evaluating proposals and bids and documenting award decisions. Reviewing and redlining contracts and escalating legal or risk issues appropriately. Cost and price analysis and spend analysis. Supplier research and sourcing, including identifying and qualifying new suppliers. Written communication: clear solicitations, award justifications, and policy explanations that departments can act on. Managing multiple concurrent procurements and keeping accurate files for audit. Using procurement systems and data to track contracts, savings, and compliance. Abilities: Interpreting and applying ABOR, university, and federal policy to varied, ambiguous requests, and knowing when a request needs escalation. Exercising independent judgment and decision-making within delegated authority. Acting as a trusted liaison, advising departmental staff while holding firm on compliance. Balancing competing priorities, such as speed, cost, risk, and compliance, with sound reasoning. Managing supplier relationships and resolving disputes or performance issues. Maintaining integrity and impartiality in a high-scrutiny, audit-exposed role. Working effectively across a large, decentralized organization with stakeholders at all levels. Learning new categories, regulations, and systems quickly.