BUYER/SENIOR BUYER
Position Number: S-3919
Position Summary:
Directs and coordinates all activities concerning the purchase of complex commodity assignments of material and services for the operation of the university. Responsibility includes assignment of major contracts and significant authority to independently make purchasing decisions for the university.
Required Qualifications:
Buyer:
Bachelors degree or equivalent, preferably in business administration or related field.
One year experience as a buyer or related experience.
Ability to perform complex financial analysis.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated computer experience with business software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships and project a positive attitude.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Senior Buyer:
Bachelors degree, preferably in business administration or related field.
At least three years experience at the buyer level or directly related experience.
Ability to perform complex financial analysis.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address issues and propose creative solutions.
Demonstrated computer experience with business software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships and project a positive attitude.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience in vendor management and supplier relationship management.
Demonstrated negotiation skills.
Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in contracts, pricing, and specifications.
Ability to perform the essential functions and requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications:
Masters degree or equivalent including continued progress in career track including conferences, degree coursework, workshops etc.
Purchasing certification such as CPP, CPSM, or similar
In-depth knowledge of ERP/MRP operating systems
Duties & Responsibilities:
Buyer:
Develops and maintains contacts with the University department representatives for the purpose of determining current, specific departmental needs.
Related duties may include consultation regarding available materials and current prices associated with them, handling of complaints concerning deficient or defective materials, material order follow-up, etc.
Develops and maintains contacts with a large number of vendors for the purpose of determining the availability of materials, sources of materials, current prices of materials, handling of complaints concerning deficient or defective materials, material follow-up, etc.
Prepares requests for bids which includes preparing detailed specifications, warranties required, service and maintenance requirements.
Determines sources of supply in a manner that will insure quality, services and competitive prices.
Analyzes assembled information concerning the needs expressed by the University representatives, the availability of required materials, the current costs associated with available materials, etc.; for the purpose of determining the vendor most advantageous to the University in terms of material costs, material quality, vendor services, etc.
Selects the vendor bid most advantageous to the University, and awards purchase orders for required materials.
Writes contracts to insure quality work, adequate safeguards for the University and recourse when necessary.
Approves price and quantity deviations from original order.
Communicates knowledge of general purchasing practices, systems and procedures to representatives or other university departments.
Establishes follow-up procedures for ordered materials.
Expedites the receipt and delivery of ordered materials.
Develops new purchasing policies and procedures.
Administers training sessions for departments.
Monitors vendor performance.
Establishes contracts for major, repetitive: Purchases and other contracts as required.
Coordinates product testing procedures between vendors and departments.
Insures that purchasing transactions comply with generally accepted purchasing principles and procedures.
Contracting signature authority of $25,000.
Assists in training other staff members in computerized systems, software packages, etc.
Negotiates major contracts.
Audits NPO and QPO purchases made outside of accepted purchasing policies and procedures.
Monitors purchasing compliance.
Performs complex financial analysis.
Senior Buyer:
Provides lead work direction to staff in the absence of the Director of Contract & Purchasing Services.
Serves as mentor and coach to Purchasing Department employees. Exhibits leadership standards and can lead individuals effectively.
Leads development and maintains contacts with the University department representatives for the purpose of determining current, specific departmental needs. Related duties may include consultation regarding available materials and current prices associated with them, handling of complaints concerning deficient or defective materials, material order follow-up, etc.
Serves as Subject Matter Expert (SME) regarding outsourced capabilities and avails knowledge to other team members to optimize procurement activities.
Develops and maintains contacts with a large number of vendors for the purpose of determining the availability of materials, sources of materials, current prices of materials, handling of complaints concerning deficient or defective materials, material follow-up, etc.
Prepares requests for bids which includes preparing detailed specifications, warranties required, service and maintenance requirements.
Determines sources of supply in a manner that will insure quality, services and competitive prices.
Analyzes assembled information concerning the needs expressed by the University representatives, the availability of required materials, the current costs associated with available materials, etc.; for the purpose of determining the vendor most advantageous to the University in terms of material costs, material quality, vendor services, etc.
Selects the vendor bid most advantageous to the University, and awards purchase orders for required materials.
Writes contracts to insure quality work, adequate safeguards for the University and recourse when necessary.
Stays updated on industry trends, new products, and market conditions to make informed purchasing decisions.
Approves price and quantity deviations from original order.
Communicates knowledge of general purchasing practices, systems and procedures to representatives or other university departments.
Establishes follow-up procedures for ordered materials.
Expedites the receipt and delivery of ordered materials.
Develops and approves new purchasing policies and procedures.
Administers training sessions for departments.
Monitors vendor performance.
Establishes contracts for major, repetitive: Purchases and other contracts as required.
Coordinates product testing procedures between vendors and departments.
Insures that purchasing transactions comply with generally accepted purchasing principles and procedures.
Contracting signature authority of $25,000.
Collaborates with Director in hiring and training of new administrative professional employees.
Coordinates training other staff members in computerized systems, software packages, etc.
Negotiates major contracts.
Audits NPO and QPO purchases made outside of accepted purchasing policies and procedures.
Monitors purchasing compliance.
Performs complex financial analysis.
Serves as purchasing system subject matter expert on technology initiatives to improve service and systems.
Supervision Exercised:
None.
Employee Group: Professional & Administrative -Salary
Staff Pay Level:
Pay Range: $55,000 - $70,000
Division: Finance and Administrative Services
Department: Purchasing
Position Status: Regular
Position End Date:
Employment Status: Full-Time
FTE: 1.0
Position Type: 12 month
Weekly Work Schedule: M-F 8am-5pm, other times as needed.
Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
Posting Ends:
Open Until Filled: Yes
About the Department:
About CMU:
Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.
We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, masters, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.
CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.
Central is home to 17 mens and womens Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.
CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. Its part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the states largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.
Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions - Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more - are within easy reach of the citys central location in Michigans Lower Peninsula.
CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
CMU Leadership Standards:
Central Michigan University is a place where we value students and work for their success, where we act as family, and where employees are engaged, appreciated and have extraordinary opportunities to make a difference.
We intentionally maintain and strengthen the hallmark CMU culture that sets us apart from our peers by expecting CMU leaders and employees to model the following Leadership Standards and develop them within their teams.
Please review the Leadership Standards before applying for this position.
Message to Applicants:
Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMUs mission, vision, and leadership standards.
You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
This position will remain open until filled. The university reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified. For best consideration, please submit application materials on or before July 14th, 2026.
To apply, visit https://www.jobs.cmich.edu/postings/45051
CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.
If you wish to see "Know Your Rights " posters, please click here.
CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMUs Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Educations Assistant Secretary, or both.
CMUs Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:
Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: [email protected]
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