Buyer II (Purchasing and Contracts) at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 525407

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: FCS Admin Services

Union: Non-Unit Non-Exempt

Categories: Accounting/Finance/Budget, Procurement

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Procurement & Inventory Manager, this position is responsible for the day-to-day purchasing and contract administration of Facilities & Campus Services.

Essential Functions

• Advertises and implements construction, consultant and services contracts for the Facilities & Campus Service Division.


• Assist departmental staff, consultants and campus wide staff with the State Requirements for contracting.


• Maintains, tracks, and records contract data information using word processing, database and spreadsheet software systems.


• Works in conjunction with the UPST (Unified Procurement Strategic Team) on contract administrative duties.


• Prepares written and oral presentations of contracting and purchasing process and procedures.


• Assists project managers in establishing project bid schedules and associated contract requirements.


• Maintains up to date knowledge of the state legal requirements for procurement contracts.


• Performs the purchasing data entry for the Division.


• Maintains proficiency in computer applications used by the Division for word processing and database management.


• Maintains central files: contract folder, bid book, payroll folder.


• Attend MCPPO training (Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official).


• Promotes and assures continuous improvement; establishes and maintains productive relationships with a full range of personnel that reflects a strong commitment to customer service.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Three (3) years procurement experience.

High School Diploma.

Demonstrated experience in word processing, database and spreadsheet computer software systems.

Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication.

Attention to detail and strong organizations skills

Knowledge of, and experience with, relational database systems used for tracking and reporting procurement information.

Demonstrated experience in computer business applications; including word processing, spreadsheet and database management systems.

Ability to solve complex problems, maintain complex records and organize information to prepare executive quality reports.

Excellent oral, written and graphic communications skills required to provide clear and concise procurement instructions and develop well-organized and graphically pleasing formats for presenting information.

Ability to work effectively in a large organization within established regulations, policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience with business activities in a construction or project environment preferred. State or municipal procurement and MCPPO certification preferred.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 7am-3pm.

Salary Information

Non-Unit, Non-Exempt Grade 17.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Oct 23 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Jan 23 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Apply Now