Job Description
Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Buyer manages end-to-end procurement activities and vendor administration across Boise State University departments, serving as a primary purchasing advisor to ensure compliance with Idaho State Statutes and institutional policies.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Department Overview:
Our goal is to guide campus through the P2P process of procuring goods and services, making payments and utilizing reporting. We provide quality service to campus and the vendor community while supporting the overall interest of the University through compliance with federal, state and University policy and regulations.
Level Scope:
Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support employees.
Essential Functions:
Procurement Operations & Sourcing:
- Review and process departmental purchase requisitions, ensuring budget authority, appropriate funding classification, and policy adherence.
- Responsible for planning, administering, and awarding formal and informal competitive procurements, such as Invitations to Bid (ITBs) and Requests for Quotation (RFQs), adhering closely to Idaho state procurement rules and dollar thresholds.
- Collaborate with campus stakeholders to develop clear, restrictive-free specifications and scopes of work (SOW).
Compliance & Legal Governance:
- Ensure institutional compliance with Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 92 (Idaho State Procurement Act), Division of Purchasing guidelines, and Boise State University policies.
- Evaluate contracts, standard terms and conditions, and software/service agreements for risk, liability exposure, and required statutory provisions in coordination with University Counsel.
- Serve as a consultative subject-matter expert, interpreting purchasing processes, state statutes, federal regulations, and university policies for campus stakeholders.
Vendor Relationship & Contract Administration:
- Manage supplier relationships, resolve order discrepancies, track delivery schedules, and address performance or non-compliance issues.
Systems & Data Integrity:
- Execute daily procurement transactions utilizing the University’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform and e-procurement systems.
- Assist campus end-users with purchasing guidelines, P-Card procedures, and purchase order status inquiries.
- Participate in spend analytics to identify cooperative contract opportunities and cost-saving measures.
- Attend trade shows to interact with vendors on behalf of department. Meet with vendors regarding contracts, new sources of supply, etc.
- Locate potential vendors for solicitations, supplies.
- Communicate regularly and efficiently, verbally and in writing. Initiate and facilitate meetings.
- Interpret, and explain complex policies, procedures, instructions, contract requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
- Anticipate and identify the needs of campus and vendors and assist with solutions.
- Consult with and advise end users on specification and solicitation process and timetables. Resolve quote (terms, FOB, etc.) and delivery issues.
- Plan and organize own work and priorities of daily activities with attention to detail in order to meet deadlines.
- Accurately create POs with appropriate terms (state contract, solicitation, negotiated agreement), with attention to accurate record keeping, and in compliance with policy and regulations.
- Complete ERP Purchasing testing by assigned deadlines.
- Determine most appropriate purchase method depending on dollar amount, exemption criteria, etc.
- Contract Management including contract review, negotiating terms by working with legal and end user, obtaining signatures, maintaining file at renewal or archiving at termination.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Provide customer service reflective of the controls, ethics and integrity of the University.
- Knowledge of University policies and state and federal regulations related to purchasing and procurement activities.
- Knowledge and skills in utilizing common business software to complete job duties.
- Understand complex business transactions/contracts and demonstrate skills in innovative, strategic, and analytical thinking to analyze and solve problems consistent with department goals and objectives.
- Ability to overcome obstacles and maintain momentum on assignments.
- Demonstrate availability and willingness to go above and beyond.
- Exercise good judgment and make decisions independently.
- Adjust to changing priorities, and develop new insights into situations.
- Apply innovative solutions to make departmental improvements.
- Demonstrate excellent verbal and written skills; communicate effectively.
- Establish strong working relationships with department contacts and vendors.
- Ability to participate as a team member to improve processes to satisfy University and department goals.
- Ability to provide and accept constructive feedback.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, plus 2 years professional experience in purchasing or 4 years related buying experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 2+ years of professional purchasing, contracting, or procurement experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of competitive bidding methods, terms and conditions, and contract lifecycles.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to advise stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Proficiency with modern ERP platforms and financial software (e.g., Oracle, Workday, PeopleSoft) and spreadsheet tools (MS Excel, Google Sheets).
- Professional experience in the public sector, state agency, or higher education procurement.
- Working knowledge of Idaho procurement statutes and State Board of Education policies.
- Relevant professional certification, such as:
- Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB)
- NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP)
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
Salary and Benefits:
Salary starting at $55,057.60 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):
Required Application Materials:
Resume, cover letter, three professional references.
About Us:
Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.
We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.
Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/
University Financial Services (UFS) is a unit within the Division of Finance and Operations. You will be joining an intentionally built culture with a strategic focus. The team follows the Enterprise Operating System (EOS) to drive results. All members of UFS are involved.
UFS's value words are:
Adaptable: adjusts to change, being flexible, versatile and cooperative.
Continuous Improvement: intentional commitment to making things better every day.
Ethical: honesty and integrity guide personal and professional behavior and judgment.
Gets Things Done: prioritizes tasks, demonstrates tenacity and achieves the end goal.
Problem Solver: demonstrates curiosity, identifies and understands the interrelated components of an issue and seeks to implement innovative solutions.
Respect: demonstrates care, concern and consideration for the perspective, needs and feelings of others.
Team Oriented: accountable to and understands the dynamics of the team; works cohesively and inclusively to accomplish a common goal.
