Junior Category Buyer

About the Job

Are you seeking to be part of a financial reporting team that supports a world-class public institution committed to its mission, provides a collaborative work environment, and is Driven to Discover in what it sets out to accomplish?

The Purchasing Services Department at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Jr. Category Buyer that is motivated to learn and share their talents and experiences with fellow team members. This position will offer experiences that tap into:

• Your ability to generate ideas and be part of the solution.

• Your advancement of learning and sharing of knowledge in a collaborative way.

• Your customer service, organization, and communication skills.

• Your desire to be a leader!

Work Environment: Hybrid

Salary range: $52,000 - $56,200

We Offer:

• Opportunity for growth through an environment that supports professional development.

• MN State Retirement System (MSRS) pension plan - tax-deferred.

• 13 paid vacation days per year (starting accrual rate), in addition to 13 paid sick days and 11 paid holidays.

• Reduced tuition opportunities covering 75% - 100% of eligible tuition.

• Excellent and affordable health care benefits.

• Wellness program with the opportunity to earn lower health care rates.

• Annual merit increase program.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

35% - Process and approve requisitions.

• Update EFS and approve requisitions.

• Distribute new requisitions.

• Monitor EFS worklist for new requisitions.

• Pull requisitions, assign to appropriate Category Manager (CM) and approve in Smartsheets once instructed by CM.

• Save requisitions and additional documentation to S: drive and email Category Managers of new requisitions.

• Process purchasing orders and answer questions about the University's purchasing policy.

35% - Supplier file maintenance.

• Onboard suppliers into the University system.

• Perform changes to the supplier's master file.

• Review and approve new supplier requests and changes to existing suppliers in PeopleSoft.

30% - Work alongside Category Managers and the University community designing and preparing RFx requests.

• Assist in the competitive process of creating Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposal (RFP), and Request for Bid (RFB) in MBid.

• New RFx requests.

• Send RFP notification email.

• Unseal closed RFx activity (upon request by Category Manager).

• Complete tabulation.

• Notify Category Managers for review.

• Send files to departments (upon request).

• Review Exceptions to Bids (ETB) for assigned categories prior to sending to the Category Manager or Purchasing Manager for approval. Obtain missing information if needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications (please document on the resume):

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or other related discipline OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.

• Basic knowledge of Purchasing/Procurement concepts and processes.

• Proficient in MS Excel.

• Proficient in Google Document Suite (G Suite)

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship

• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• University HSA contributions

• Disability and employer-paid life insurance

• Employee wellbeing program

• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity

• Financial counseling services

• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).