What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Coordinator position at Michigan State University College of Engineering?
Position Summary
Salary: $56,800 - $69,300 annually depending on experience. MSU Benefits - Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time. Not eligible to work a remote schedule; regular attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.
This position will be responsible for procuring moderately complex commodities, equipment, materials and/or services requiring technical expertise, or a thorough product knowledge, having broad institutional usage. Records and reviews requisitions for accuracy and completeness, locates specific product information, solicits quotations from vendors, analyzes complex information and independently renders purchasing decisions and procures the material/service through the various purchasing methods offered (APO Contracts, Purchase Requisitions / Purchase Orders, P-card, Spartan Marketplace) in accordance with University policies and procedures. Apprises customers / clients / constituents of appropriate actions in order to facilitate the functioning of the department or section. This position is responsible for assisting the trades in researching and locating all material that is not stocked by the stock room.
Job Responsibilities Are As Follows
40%: Manage Stocked Inventory: Analyze issue history, lead times, and service level needs to determine appropriate inventory levels and establish accurate high/low reorder points for stocked parts. Maintain and update records in Planon and on bin labels. Generate reorder point reports and review inventory levels to ensure quantities fall within established high/low thresholds.
15%: Receive and review material order requests for accuracy and completeness, seeking clarification as needed. Receive ordered materials and verify part numbers and quantities; inspect items for defects or damage. Properly store materials in designated storage bins or pickup areas. Coordinate with vendors to obtain RMAs for defective or incorrect parts and ensure timely return and credit. Monitor and follow up on backordered items to obtain status updates as needed.
15%: Record cost‑savings opportunities to help document the department’s stewardship efforts and track actual savings and expenditures.
15%: Assist customers by answering questions, helping locate needed parts, and conducting product research to provide informed solutions. Communicate delivery timelines and support emergency parts procurement, including traveling to vendors to pick up materials when necessary.
15%: Identify potential vendors to solicit for bids, request and evaluate competitive quotations, and determine the most appropriate purchasing method (Contract, P‑Card, Spartan Marketplace, or KFS requisition for Purchase Order). Document key details, including vendor information, pricing, and lead times.
This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through the first two or three years of college, such as an Associate's degree in general business, supply chain management or communications. One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in commodities purchasing, general business, or accounting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator’s license will be required for this position. Must drive University vehicle to perform the duties of this classification and meet the Universities rigorous safe driving standards.
Desired Qualifications
Experience with integrated workplace management software. Experience in the use of spreadsheet, word processing, and database software. Experience with and ability to develop basic mathematical calculating formulas in Excel. Experience with work order management systems such as Planon. Experience with workflow applications such as Microsoft Teams and financial applications such as Kuali.
A lifelong learner and problem solver with strong technical skills and communication skills, who focuses on innovative solutions aligned with University goals.
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
Cover letter
Resume
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
www.ipf.msu.edu
Bidding eligibility ends April 28, 2026, 11:55 PM
Salary: $56,800 - $69,300 annually depending on experience. MSU Benefits - Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time. Not eligible to work a remote schedule; regular attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.
This position will be responsible for procuring moderately complex commodities, equipment, materials and/or services requiring technical expertise, or a thorough product knowledge, having broad institutional usage. Records and reviews requisitions for accuracy and completeness, locates specific product information, solicits quotations from vendors, analyzes complex information and independently renders purchasing decisions and procures the material/service through the various purchasing methods offered (APO Contracts, Purchase Requisitions / Purchase Orders, P-card, Spartan Marketplace) in accordance with University policies and procedures. Apprises customers / clients / constituents of appropriate actions in order to facilitate the functioning of the department or section. This position is responsible for assisting the trades in researching and locating all material that is not stocked by the stock room.
Job Responsibilities Are As Follows
40%: Manage Stocked Inventory: Analyze issue history, lead times, and service level needs to determine appropriate inventory levels and establish accurate high/low reorder points for stocked parts. Maintain and update records in Planon and on bin labels. Generate reorder point reports and review inventory levels to ensure quantities fall within established high/low thresholds.
15%: Receive and review material order requests for accuracy and completeness, seeking clarification as needed. Receive ordered materials and verify part numbers and quantities; inspect items for defects or damage. Properly store materials in designated storage bins or pickup areas. Coordinate with vendors to obtain RMAs for defective or incorrect parts and ensure timely return and credit. Monitor and follow up on backordered items to obtain status updates as needed.
15%: Record cost‑savings opportunities to help document the department’s stewardship efforts and track actual savings and expenditures.
15%: Assist customers by answering questions, helping locate needed parts, and conducting product research to provide informed solutions. Communicate delivery timelines and support emergency parts procurement, including traveling to vendors to pick up materials when necessary.
15%: Identify potential vendors to solicit for bids, request and evaluate competitive quotations, and determine the most appropriate purchasing method (Contract, P‑Card, Spartan Marketplace, or KFS requisition for Purchase Order). Document key details, including vendor information, pricing, and lead times.
This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through the first two or three years of college, such as an Associate's degree in general business, supply chain management or communications. One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in commodities purchasing, general business, or accounting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator’s license will be required for this position. Must drive University vehicle to perform the duties of this classification and meet the Universities rigorous safe driving standards.
Desired Qualifications
Experience with integrated workplace management software. Experience in the use of spreadsheet, word processing, and database software. Experience with and ability to develop basic mathematical calculating formulas in Excel. Experience with work order management systems such as Planon. Experience with workflow applications such as Microsoft Teams and financial applications such as Kuali.
A lifelong learner and problem solver with strong technical skills and communication skills, who focuses on innovative solutions aligned with University goals.
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
Cover letter
Resume
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
www.ipf.msu.edu
Bidding eligibility ends April 28, 2026, 11:55 PM
Salary : $56,800 - $69,300