Hybrid Procurement Buyer bei University of Redlands

POSITION CODE: 7691

DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION: Business & Finance 

POSITION: Administrative, Exempt, Full-time (40 Hours)

SALARY RANGE: $68,640,000-$77,000

HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification,

commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD: Twelves (12) Months 

AVAILABLE: Immediately

BENEFITS OVERVIEW: BROCHURE

POSTING DATE: August 1, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled, Apply Immediately

Definition of Classification:

At the University of Redlands, Procurement Buyer plays a critical role in the effective and strategic acquisition of goods and services that support the operational and academic mission of the institution. This position is responsible for executing procurement activities across a wide range of categories, ensuring that sourcing decisions align with the University’s priorities around cost-efficiency, quality assurance, risk mitigation, equity, and sustainability.

Working under the direction of the Director of Procurement the Procurement Buyer serves as a key liaison between University departments and external suppliers, providing expertise in vendor selection, negotiations, contract terms, and the end-to-end procurement process. This includes managing requests for proposals (RFPs), quotes (RFQs), and information (RFIs), conducting spend analysis, and ensuring that all procurement transactions comply with University policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards.

The Procurement Buyer contributes to the development and implementation of category strategies, monitors vendor performance, and supports initiatives that streamline purchasing workflows and promote continuous improvement. In addition, the role champions supplier diversity and sustainability efforts by actively seeking opportunities to engage small, local, minority-owned, and environmentally responsible vendors.

This position requires a strong understanding of procurement best practices, financial accountability, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who can balance transactional efficiency with strategic sourcing goals, while supporting the University’s values and long-term operational effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinate and execute the end-to-end procurement of goods and services across multiple categories.
• Conduct supplier searches and product evaluations to identify optimal sources based on price, quality, availability, and reliability.
• Collaborate with departments to develop and process purchase requests, ensuring compliance with university policies and approvals.
• Assist with resolving order discrepancies, defective goods, invoice issues, and delivery problems in coordination with Accounts Payable and departments.
• Administer requests for information (RFI), requests for quotes (RFQ), and requests for proposals (RFP) for assigned categories.
• Negotiate contract terms, pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules with new and existing vendors.
• Maintain and monitor vendor performance metrics to ensure quality standards are met and address underperformance when necessary.
• Support the qualification of new vendors in alignment with university standards and risk mitigation goals.
• Compile procurement data to support trend analysis, cost savings initiatives, and supplier performance reports.
• Maintain master data related to suppliers and procurement categories in the ERP system.
• Analyze pricing, market trends, and supplier proposals to inform strategic sourcing decisions.
• Recommend and implement procurement process enhancements that increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Champion the use of small, local, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses in the procurement process.
• Promote environmentally responsible purchasing practices in alignment with the University’s sustainability goals.
• Ensure procurement activities align with university policies, procedures, and legal/regulatory requirements.
• Support special projects and initiatives assigned by the Director of Procurement.
• Serve as a procurement resource to internal departments and provide guidance as needed
• May serve as back-up to Director of Procurement for daily operational issues as needed

• May travel to various locations to attend meetings and conduct work as needed
• May supervise student or administrative employees as needed

• Performs Other Duties and Special Projects as Required/Assigned

Qualification Guidelines

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

Experience/Training/Education:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in procurement, supply chain, or contract administration
• Knowledge of purchasing principles, practices, and relevant laws or regulations
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and the ability to learn procurement or ERP systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred

• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
• Procurement certification (e.g., CPSM, CPPB)
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with IT procurement or facilities maintenance-related purchasing.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Analytical and problem-solving aptitude with attention to details
• Ability to evaluate bids and proposals and make data-informed purchasing decisions
• Comfortable operating standard office equipment and digital platforms
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in vendor selection and campus engagement
• Capacity to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse teams.

• Aptitude to learn new technology, methods, and procedures
• Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the university
• Ability to use appropriate judgment when making decisions and recommendations.
• Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

Working Conditions: 

Standard office and field setting. Duties performed are primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation or in meetings. At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort. This position requires flexibility to work evening and weekend hours as well as the ability to travel, as required.

Physical Demands:

Incumbents regularly sit for long periods; walk on a regular basis; travel to various locations to attend meetings and conduct work; use hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines; reach with hands and arms; stoop or kneel or crouch to file; climb stairs; speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to read fine print and operate computer; hear and understand voices over telephone and in person; and lift, carry and/or move objects weighing up to 10-20 pounds.

TO APPLY: A resume/CV and cover letter are required. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call (909) 748-8040. If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability, contact us at (909) 748-8040 to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.

HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training. The University of Redlands is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is defined as the Full Pay Range. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is defined as the Hiring Range. Placement within the Hiring Range is determined by internal equity, and relevant qualifications.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The University will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current employee who was conditionally offered the position.

DRIVER'S LICENSE CHECK: Possession of a valid Driver's License is required for certain positions. Employees in positions that require a valid Driver’s License will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS: For certain positions typically in Public Safety, Facilities, Athletics and Information Technology Services departments, employment is contingent upon a candidate passing a pre-employment physical exam with the ability to lift in excess of 50 lbs. Public Safety Officers, in addition to a pre-employment physical exam, will also be required to pass a psychological evaluation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

Human Resources (redlands.edu)

SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.

MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER