Title: Purchasing Associate

Institution: Volunteer State Community College

Job Summary:

The Purchasing Associate is responsible for assisting the Coordinator of Purchasing and Contracts in the following tasks: reviewing purchase requisitions, processing purchase orders, updating Banner vendor tables, and also assisting the Coordinator of Purchasing and Contracts with bids. The Purchasing Associate assists the Coordinator of Purchasing and Contracts in ensuring that all requisition and purchasing transactions are provided in a timely and accurate manner and in compliance with all applicable institutional, Tennessee Board of Regent (TBR), State, and Federal regulations, policies, and guidelines. The Purchasing Associate also assists the Coordinator of Purchasing and Contracts in ensuring accountability and responsibility of the compliance of the College’s procurement card program.

Job Duties:

Work with College departments in all aspects of purchasing. Review requisitions to ensure they are complete and that specifications are clear and accurate, and that requisitions adhere to purchasing policies. Assist vendors, departments, employees, and students by providing requested information or materials. Process purchase orders. Monitor open encumbrances for purchase orders that need closing, need change orders, etc. Issue open encumbrance reports related to POs not receipted in Jaggaer. Assist with maintaining vendor tables in Banner Finance. Assist with Jaggaer user administration and vendor catalog offerings. Assist with bids. Assist in the administration of procurement card program, ensuring compliance with TBR policies and guidelines. Provide competent, professional, and quality service. Perform a variety of general clerical duties including word processing, maintaining files and records. Assist in providing training to faculty and staff on various purchasing processes. Assist in generating the required TBR Purchasing and Contracts reporting. Assist other Business Office employees as needed. Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent.
Two (2) years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Associate’s degree (or higher) in a related field.
Experience with computerized accounting and/or purchasing systems.
Experience or training with internet/on-line purchasing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent communication skills and an interpersonal service-oriented attitude.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including experience with MS Excel, Word, Access, and Outlook.
Working knowledge of accounting codes, budget availability, procurement technology and practices
Experience working with large Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and purchasing systems.
Confident in using own initiative, prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines.
Detail oriented.
Ability to serve as a liaison between institutional departments and vendors.

Pay Rate: $38,206 - $45,847 annual salary depending on experience

Volunteer State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance:  Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HSA
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in Health)
• Educational Assistance:  Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options:  State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401K with up to $50/month match, 403b, and 457
• 14 Paid Holidays/Year
• Annual Leave (if applicable)
• Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

Applicants may be subject to a background check.