Procurement Specialist - Special Orders / Operations Coordinator

Working/Functional Title

Procurement Specialist - Special Orders

Position Summary

Salary: $54,600 - $66,700 annually depending on experience.  MSU Benefits - Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time; Not eligible to work a remote schedule. Regular attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.

This position will be responsible for assisting with the procurement and inventory process, supporting customers, and managing departmental operations in order to deliver necessary resources, materials, and services.  Records and reviews requisitions for accuracy and completeness, locates specific product information, solicits quotations from vendors, analyzes complex information and independently renders purchasing decisions and procures the material/service through the various purchasing methods offered (APO Contracts, Purchase Requisitions / Purchase Orders, P-card, Spartan Marketplace) in accordance with University policies and procedures. Apprises customers / clients / constituents of appropriate actions in order to facilitate the functioning of the department or section. This position is responsible for assisting the trades in researching and locating all material that is not stocked by the stock room.

Job responsibilities are as follows: 
40%: Review approved vendors list to determine who to solicit quotes from; review received quotes to determine lowest cost option, request competitive quotations, evaluate returned quotations, determine the best purchasing method (Contract, P-card, Spartan Marketplace, or the creation of a KFS requisition for Purchase Order). Issue order to the winning vendor. Communicate pertinent detail (vendor info, price, and lead time) back to requester.

15%: Receive and analyze material order request for accuracy and clarification.  Receive ordered material, verify part number and quantity, inspect for defects.  Put away in the proper storage bin or pick up areas. For any defective parts or wrong parts, work with vendor to get RMA and coordinate the return and credit of said material in a timely manner.  Follow up on back ordered parts for status update when needed.

15%: Record cost savings opportunities to help capture the departments stewardship effort for track-able and actual savings/spending. 

15%: Assist customers by answering their questions, assisting them in locating parts and or product research, provide expertise and solutions.  Communicate delivery timing, assist in emergency part procurement, including driving to the vendor to pick up material.

15%: Meet with vendors to discuss service, quotations, resolve issues, learn about new products, technology, and innovation.  Enhance innovation by setting up learning opportunities/training for customers to learn about new products and technology. 

This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship. At IPF, we are committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive culture; engaging and hiring a diverse workforce.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through the first two or three years of college, such as an Associate’s degree in general business, supply chain management or communications. One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in retailing, commodities purchasing, general business, or accounting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with integrated workplace management software. Experience in the use of spreadsheet, word processing, and database software.  Experience with and ability to develop basic mathematical calculating formulas in Excel. Experience with work order management systems such as Planon. Experience with workflow applications such as Microsoft Teams and financial applications such as Kuali.  

A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; able to problem solve within a collaborative team environment; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job. The ability to adapt to an ever changing environment. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

www.ipf.msu.edu

Bidding eligibility ends May 22, 2025, 11:55 PM