Position Focus:

The Buyer is responsible for Seeking out and securing cost savings through negotiation, competitive bidding and new vendor sources. Supports sourcing effort by participating in commodity teams of departmental representatives. Focuses on reducing the total cost of ownership for goods and services. Review, sign and approve agreements and or purchase orders within designated approval limits. Coordinates with suppliers and business partners to resolve any issues with supplier orders and invoicing.

Essential Duties

1. With guidance, implements and executes formal strategic sourcing processes in support of department specific needs for supplies and services.
2. Utilizes a variety of e-procurement tools.
3. With support and guidance, researches and develops new sources of supply to satisfy departmental requirements.
4. Utilizes a structured problem-solving approach, developing alternatives and recommending solutions.
5. Performs initial review of contract terms and conditions.
6. Supported by other staff members, analyzes and segments spend to determine priorities, savings opportunities and build a demand profile for sourcing.
7. Tracks cost savings and prepares metrics.
8. Builds and maintains strong working relationships with internal University customers.
9. Works with preferred suppliers and maintains supplier quality and performance
10. Is knowledgeable of relevant industry trends and market conditions.
11. Works collaboratively with others to identify key business drivers, beyond price, which contribute to the total cost of ownership.
12. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business or Finance and three years of purchasing/Buyer experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with federal contracts and grants and strategic sourcing of commodities and services.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Understanding of procure-to-pay process and procurement-related policies, procedures, processes and risks, and ability to apply that understanding to daily work. Proficiency in creating and manipulating basic spreadsheets and creating Word documents. Good interpersonal and organization skills with strong attention to detail.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Ability to work in diverse, cross-functional teams with limited guidance. ​Actively solicits differing opinions to ensure understanding of complex issues and acts in a manner that builds and maintains trust. Solid judgment with ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing circumstances. Demonstrated ability to work independently to meet deadlines.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, etc. Working knowledge of Workday procurement application. Working knowledge abd Salesforce is a plus.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Ability to research supplier set up requests, by first reviewing existing supplier base to see if there is a viable match for the requested service/goods. If not, researching new potential supplier for finanacial viability, reviewing proposed terms and conditions, checking references, etc.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.). Working knowledge of Yale’s procurement systems.

Drug Screen

No

Health Screening

No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. Please visit www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

Affirmative Action Statement:

Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, at TitleIX@yale.edu, or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 8th Floor, Five Post Office Square, Boston MA 02109-3921. Telephone: 617.289.0111, Fax: 617.289.0150, TDD: 800.877.8339, or Email: ocr.boston@ed.gov.

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus