Come join our mission-driven team! Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology educates Pennsylvania’s economically and socially disadvantaged as well as other qualified students for skilled employment in a diverse, ever-changing workforce and for full effective participation as citizens. 

The Buyer is responsible for the procurement of goods and services necessary to support the College's academic, administrative, and operational functions. This position manages the purchasing process from sourcing through order fulfillment, develops and maintains vendor relationships, negotiates pricing and contract terms, and ensures compliance with TSCT policies, Commonwealth regulations, and applicable procurement requirements. The Buyer works collaboratively with departments across campus to identify purchasing needs, obtain competitive pricing, and secure quality products and services while maximizing value and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Procurement and Purchasing

•     Procure goods, equipment, supplies, and services in support of College operations.

•     Review and process purchase requisitions and ensure completeness and compliance with College policies.

•     Solicit quotations, bids, and proposals from vendors as required.

•     Analyze pricing, product specifications, and vendor capabilities to determine the best value.

•     Prepare purchase orders and monitor order status through completion.

•     Resolve issues related to deliveries, pricing discrepancies, damaged goods, and invoice variances.

Vendor and Contract Management

•     Develop and maintain effective relationships with vendors and suppliers.

•     Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, service agreements, and contract terms.

•     Evaluate vendor performance regarding quality, service, responsiveness, and cost effectiveness.

•     Assist in the administration and renewal of procurement contracts.

•     Maintain vendor records and ensure required documentation is current.

Compliance and Financial Stewardship

•     Ensure procurement activities comply with College policies, Commonwealth purchasing regulations, grant requirements, and applicable laws.

•     Support competitive bidding processes and documentation requirements.

•     Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.

•     Maintain accurate procurement records and files for audit purposes.

Collaboration and Customer Service

•     Consult with departments to understand purchasing needs and recommend procurement solutions.

•     Provide guidance to faculty and staff regarding purchasing procedures and requirements.

•     Assist departments with product research, specifications development, and vendor selection.

•     Serve as a resource for procurement-related questions and training.

Reporting and Continuous Improvement

•     Prepare procurement reports and analyses as requested.

•     Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain developments.

•     Recommend improvements to purchasing policies, procedures, and systems.

•     Participate in strategic initiatives related to procurement efficiency and cost containment.

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Other Duties and Responsibilities: 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

None.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities: 

• Knowledge of purchasing principles, contract administration, and vendor management.
• Proficiency with ERP, purchasing, and financial management systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate favorable terms and pricing.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to analyze data and make sound purchasing recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to customer service and fiscal stewardship.

Education and/or Work Experience:

  Required:

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Finance, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience.
•   Preferred:
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or related field.
• Experience in higher education, public sector, or government procurement.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania procurement regulations and public purchasing practices.
• Professional certification such as CPP (Certified Purchasing Professional) or CPPB (Certified Professional Public Buyer)
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands:

Primarily office environment.

Occasional lifting of packages and materials up to 25 pounds.

Occasional travel to vendor locations, conferences, or training sessions

This position may occasionally require attending meetings or events outside of standard office hours.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment: 

Every employee at Thaddeus Stevens College will receive required training; additional training may be required by the department or position.

• Participation in institutional training and professional development may be required.
• The successful candidate must pass background checks and adhere to all applicable institutional policies and procedures.