Job Description:

Job Summary

Job Summary
Please note, this position is with the Office of the Chancellor at the PA State System of Higher Ed, not Kutztown University.





This position is remote, but occasional travel for training and meetings may be required, so the successful candidate will be a resident of Pennsylvania.




General Responsibilities:

The Purchasing Agent position will report directly to one of the Commodity Leads and/or Director for Materials/Services as deemed necessary, within the Procurement Shared Servies (PSS) group. This position is technical work in the purchasing of suppliers, materials, equipment, or services in support of university and system office operational needs, within Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

An employee in this position is responsible for reviewing requisitions from multiple universities and/or the Office of the Chancelor, and other varying university program offices. Agents must be able to identifying the best method for procurement; developing and advising on Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or Invitation For Bid (IFB) documentation, assisting and advising with the writing, or modification of specifications or statements of work in support of RFP/RFQ/IFB efforts; reviewing and awarding bids; preparing various contracts types or purchase orders, negotiating contract terms and conditions; and researching statewide or collaborative contracts.

This work requires agents to be engaged with university program customers and in regular contact with suppliers. This is a remote position, and the ability to manage one's time, follow up with customers and suppliers, and utilizing the various communication and collaboration tools is critical to the PSS success to support our customers. The work is performed independently, with plenty of time to work as a team and collaborate, share ideas, and work as a team. The Purchasing Agent is expected to perform within established regulations, policies, procedures, and standards. Changes to operational standards or work procedures and policies are discussed, shared, and posted prior to implementation.

Minimum Qualifications

ENTRY-LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of purchasing processes, terminology, methods, and procedures, such as RFP/RFQ, IFB, and Sole Sources; and the ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures.


• Strong personal management skills including but not limited to managing tasks and project assignments, prioritizing influx of work, effective planning, organization, and problem solving. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers, customers, and the procurement team.


• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written); demonstrated professional, tactful problem solving, business writing and presentation skills, provide constructive feedback around processes, policy, and technology improvements. The ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify and resolve problems.


• SAP and/or Ariba proficiency, and the ability to handle high volume, fast paced timelines for multiple requests.


• Experience in a higher education setting, knowledge of centralized purchasing procedures, knowledge of Commonwealth, PASSHE, or public procurement guidelines, and demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations are all preferred.


• Ability to analyze written and numerical information; perform mathematical calculations. To include but not limited to excel spreadsheets, formulas, and pivot tables.


• Experience using various software tools including but not limited to; Microsoft Office (excel, word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, etc.), ERP system (SAP preferred), Zoom, Jabber, DocuSign, etc.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING (NOTE: Based on the Entry-Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• High School Diploma or GED


• Three years of experience in purchasing work involving contact with suppliers in the procurement of a variety of supplies, materials, equipment, or services; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree highly preferred


• SAP and/or Ariba eProcurement Tool


• Higher Education Experience


• Knowledge of Commonwealth Contracting

Supplemental Information

Please note, this position is with the Office of the Chancellor at the PA State System of Higher Ed, not Kutztown University. KUHR is only providing HR administration for this search.


Applications & Resumes will be accepted until position is filled, however; to ensure full consideration, internal application materials should be received no later than close of day December 7, 2024


The anticipated starting salary for this position is $44,890, per the AFSCME CBA. For internal applicants, salary will be calculated in accordance with the AFSCME CBA.


All applications for this position must be submitted via our online application/resume system ONLY. Please do not fax, mail, or e-mail any documentation.


Successful interview, reference checks, background clearances (PA Criminal, Child Abuse Clearance & FBI Clearance), and demonstration of ability are requisite qualifications for all positions.


The State System is very interested in hiring employees who have had extensive experience with diverse populations.


We are an AA/EOE/member of the PA State System of Higher Education and actively solicits applications from women and minority candidates.



on-Discrimination StatementThe Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures and for inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulation, contact Christa Cobb, State System Title IX Coordinator, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 207, Harrisburg, PA 17110; Phone: (717)720.4167; Email: CCobb@passhe.edu. Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East - Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Phone: (215) 656-6010; Fax: (215) 656-6020.

Apply Now