Penn State mark
All Jobs Business Administration
Administration Data Management Organizational Excellence Procurement Real Estate Records
Management Professional Supervisory Support

Penn State Job Catalog

Procurement Agent – Principal Professional (PSU2003)

Additional Levels
Job Strings

Job Summary

The Procurement Agent purchases commodities within the assigned category in accordance with University policies and government regulations with purchase approval limits; conducts competitive Request for Proposal or Request for Quotation processes; negotiates with vendors and evaluates vendor performance and compliance; serves as a liaison with University departments and outside organizations; monitors customer satisfaction and solves problems; uses electronic systems to conduct business transactions and compile information; and reviews, evaluates and/or manages contracts.

Representative Duties

  • Negotiate with vendors as it relates to price, delivery, payment, contracts and agreements, specifications, and purchase order terms to increase buying power
  • Evaluate, review, and approve purchases within the assigned category
  • Monitor vendor performance and compliance, resolve discrepancies, and inspect for quality
  • Evaluate suppliers based on the price, quality, and speed of delivery of their products and services
  • Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other information to determine reasonable prices
  • Monitor contracts to be sure that vendors and suppliers comply with the terms and conditions of the contract and University policy
  • Monitor, document and facilitate product recalls
  • Coordinate with the Accounting department as required to resolve questions on suppliers' invoices
  • Monitor customer satisfaction through exchanging information and solving problems
  • May utilize a variety of electronic systems to manage requisitions, conduct auctions, and manage vendors and/or inventories
  • May supervise staff and direct the work of others

Level Matrix

Level:
Principal Professional
Base Description:
– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Displays mastery of defined skill areas/applications, principles, theories and practices. Evaluates and enhances existing practices. Recognizes emerging trends in area of expertise. Works independently on complex or strategic assignments. Directs and delegates appropriate tasks to others. Implements strategies to ensure achievement of initiatives. Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and deliver to broad audiences. Identifies and implements innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– Indirect supervisor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– Validates and pays invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding
– May plan and forecast budgets
Problem Solving:
– Encounters complex and novel problems
– Applies policies, practices, specialized knowledge, and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines
Independence of Action:
– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices as guidelines as well as working knowledge to determine specific work methods
– Carries out work activities independently, with supervisor available to resolve problems
– Reviews work of others to verify technical soundness
Communication and Collaboration:
– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and area leads across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 11
  • Minimum – $68,200.00
  • MidPoint – $85,200.00
  • Maximum – $102,300.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
8+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Job Requirements