Purchasing Agent

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and striving to be an inclusive campus community.
UNC Asheville is committed to promoting diversity and a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and the ability to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds. Staff members are encouraged to take an active role to engage in the institution's efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the workplace. The successful candidate is expected to foster an inclusive work culture where uniqueness of beliefs, backgrounds, talents, capabilities and ways of living are respected and welcomed. Women, traditionally under-represented minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Typical hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional time on evenings and weekends may be needed to meet the needs of the department.

The Purchasing Agent (Agent) reports to the Business Services Manager and supports the mission of UNC Asheville (University) through timely and cost-effective procurement of supplies, equipment, and services, in accordance with policies of the University, the UNC System Office, and the State of North Carolina. The UNC Asheville AVC Finance/Controller's office seeks to provide a high level of support to the University and its stakeholders in a competent, approachable, reliable, empathetic, and responsive manner. The Purchasing Agent is responsible for representing these pillars in both attitude and action.

University procurement involves time-sensitive work using an automated purchasing system and requires daily interaction with people both on and off campus. Work of the Purchasing Agent involves performance and execution of all procedural aspects of purchasing activities, including determination of the most appropriate and compliant purchasing methods. This position requires a working knowledge of purchasing best practices, state and federal procurement rules and regulations, contract terms and conditions, competitive bid procedures, and a basic understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and methods related to purchasing activities. The Agent must be able to accurately interpret, apply, document, and explain University and state rules and policies related to purchasing and provide prompt, excellent customer service to various campus constituents, while balancing multiple priorities and meeting strict deadlines.

The Purchasing Agent is the administrator of the University's Jaggaer e-procurement system, "Bulldog Buyway", and monitors transaction compliance with policies and procedures. In addition, the Purchasing Agent acts as University liaison with campus constituents, vendors, UNC System Office Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing, and the Division of Purchase and Contract of the NC Department of Administration on large purchases of goods and services. The Purchasing Agent also assists with other Purchasing operational duties such as reviewing Independent Contractor and Honorarium vendor payments in Emburse Enterprise, miscellaneous transaction reviews, data analysis, lease administration and special projects.

Bachelor's degree; or Associate's degree and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. ( EST) on the closing date for each specific position. Please note that any documents submitted to Human Resources or the hiring departments become property of UNC Asheville and will not be returned. Official verification from each college/university you have attended are required upon employment, and will be requested directly from the college/university by Human Resources or from the National Student Clearinghouse. Any expense will be the responsibility of the employee. Educational degrees must be from an appropriately accredited institution. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training and experience requirements, management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. It is the policy of UNC Asheville to conduct pre-employment background investigations on all candidates selected for employment. If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice.