Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Food Stores Senior Purchasing Agent/S

Position Summary

• Participates in administrative team-leader meetings in order to establish and maintain University purchasing policies.
• Investigates problems and complaints in order to resolve user/vendor disputes.
• Manages the operation of a large Purchasing commodity team(s).
• Evaluates the performance of department/team(s) operations and implements organizational, procedural, equipment and other necessary changes to accommodate current and future needs.
• Exercises authority as delegated to have purchase orders issued in the name of the University.
• Hires, plans, reviews and evaluates the work of professional/team(s) and office staff and recommends salary increases.
• Negotiates large dollar contracts and/or purchases up to $500,000.
• Initiates and conducts committee meetings for the value analysis of products and service contracts.
• Consults with and advises departments on purchasing concerns.
• Advises department/buying teams on new technological developments, product availability, and purchasing options, policies and procedures.
• Formulates specifications for complex and unique items for large scale purchases.
• Solicits proposals, conducts public openings, and approves and administers contracts.
• Participates on various committees and in planning meetings of departments for whom goods and services are purchased.
• Interviews vendors.
• Assures compliance with affirmative action and other University programs.
• Consults with and advises staff on purchasing concerns.

All positions in SLE are designated as critical status. In the event of a university closure, modification, or suspension of operations due to snow or other emergency condition, persons in this position are expected to make all reasonable attempts to report to work as scheduled for the duration of the closure/suspension. If a person has an approved remote work agreement to work a portion of their normally scheduled work hours remotely, they may be called upon to work on-site to serve the MSU community.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration with relevant coursework in marketing, business law, finance, public relations and computer science; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in sales, purchasing/buying and accounting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Hospitality or Food Service management experience.
• Serve as a collegial and community role model, fostering an environment of dedicated guest service, problem-solving, and enthusiasm for "Delivering Outstanding Spartan Experiences."
• Proven supervisory experience in foodservice operations, including procurement, inventory management, and achieving culinary excellence.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with experience in coaching, mentoring, and empowering team members.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with employees, customers, vendors, and peers.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to understand and respect diverse perspectives while applying technical expertise to operational challenges.
• Demonstrated skills in contract writing, negotiation, and administrative processes with measurable results.
• Professionalism with excellent communication and customer service skills to represent MSU effectively.
• Ability to independently deliver projects, meet targets proactively, and perform under pressure.
• Knowledge of procurement, menu management, warehouse, and inventory control systems and processes.
• Experience with and knowledge of continuous process improvement initiatives.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Three professional references

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

Careers.msu.edu

Bidding eligibility ends February 4, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.