What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant University Purchasing Agent position at University of Rhode Island?
Position Information
Posting Number
SF02055
Job Title
Assistant University Purchasing Agent
Position Number
109177
FTE
1.00
FLSA
Exempt
Position Type
Professional Staff
Union
PSA/NEA - Professional Staff Assoc
Pay Grade Level
Grade Level: 10
Pay Grade Range
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $65,000 - $74,000
Status
Calendar Year, Full-time, Permanent
Department Information
Department
Strategic Procurement
Contact(s)
Please note: Job applications must be submitted directly online only at: (https://jobs.uri.edu)
Contact Phone/Extension
Contact Email
Physical Demands
Campus Location
Kingston
Grant Funded
No
Extension Contingency Notes
Job Description Summary
The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by September 19, 2025. Applications received after September 19, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.
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About URI:
The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State’s flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.
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BASIC FUNCTION:
Assist the University Director of Purchasing in managing and directing the procurement functions for the University’s campuses, which include the procurement functions of the academic, administrative, and research community.
Duties and Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist in the administration of the procurement operations of all campuses to ensure compliance with state rules and regulations and general laws.
Participate in the development, management, and implementation of programs and standards as they relate to the University’s purchasing policies and procedures.
Assist in the development and implementation of contracts and agreements related to procurement activities.
Utilize and assist in the testing for development and implementation of various ERP (PeopleSoft and Workday) modules and/or related procurement software.
Assist in preparing and presenting management reports on purchasing activities regarding the various funds sources and document utilization.
Serve as the Purchasing Department’s liaison with the community to ensure customer satisfaction. Ensure that they have sufficient knowledge of the system which will provide maximum benefit to their activities as well as this Department.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prepare and conduct training sessions for other offices and departments throughout the University on the policies and procedures of the Purchasing Section.
Perform advanced technical work and supervision in the procurement of complex goods or services including the negotiation processes involved.
Evaluate procedures and forms being used and recommend necessary revisions to promote efficiency and effectiveness.
Provide user level information on the automated procurement system to the Director of Purchasing for further development and recommend changes to promote efficiency.
LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:
Personal computers, printers and word processing, database management and spreadsheet software; Microsoft and Google platforms.
Assist in the administration of the procurement operations of all campuses to ensure compliance with state rules and regulations and general laws.
Participate in the development, management, and implementation of programs and standards as they relate to the University’s purchasing policies and procedures.
Assist in the development and implementation of contracts and agreements related to procurement activities.
Utilize and assist in the testing for development and implementation of various ERP (PeopleSoft and Workday) modules and/or related procurement software.
Assist in preparing and presenting management reports on purchasing activities regarding the various funds sources and document utilization.
Serve as the Purchasing Department’s liaison with the community to ensure customer satisfaction. Ensure that they have sufficient knowledge of the system which will provide maximum benefit to their activities as well as this Department.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prepare and conduct training sessions for other offices and departments throughout the University on the policies and procedures of the Purchasing Section.
Perform advanced technical work and supervision in the procurement of complex goods or services including the negotiation processes involved.
Evaluate procedures and forms being used and recommend necessary revisions to promote efficiency and effectiveness.
Provide user level information on the automated procurement system to the Director of Purchasing for further development and recommend changes to promote efficiency.
LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:
Personal computers, printers and word processing, database management and spreadsheet software; Microsoft and Google platforms.
Required Qualifications
REQUIRED:
1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Minimum of two years of purchasing, accounting, or related experience in public or private employment.
3. Demonstrated organizational skills.
4. Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communications skills.
5. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.
6. Demonstrated proficiency in using personal computers, printers, and a range of software applications, including word processing, database management, and spreadsheets.
7. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Minimum of two years of purchasing, accounting, or related experience in public or private employment.
3. Demonstrated organizational skills.
4. Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communications skills.
5. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.
6. Demonstrated proficiency in using personal computers, printers, and a range of software applications, including word processing, database management, and spreadsheets.
7. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED:
1. Demonstrated experience in research activity procurement and contract administration at an institution of higher education or in the public sector.
2. Demonstrated PeopleSoft Financials experience.
3. Demonstrated familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
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The University of Rhode Island is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the University of Rhode Island to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability.
1. Demonstrated experience in research activity procurement and contract administration at an institution of higher education or in the public sector.
2. Demonstrated PeopleSoft Financials experience.
3. Demonstrated familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The University of Rhode Island is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the University of Rhode Island to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability.
Environmental Conditions
The incumbent is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Posting Date
08/28/2025
Closing Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach the following 2 (PDF) documents to your online Employment Application:
(#1) Cover letter.
(#2) Resume.
Note: References will be upon request by the search committee.
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/15610
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Resume
Salary : $65,000 - $74,000
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