Purchase Assistant
: Job Details :

Purchase AssistantJob No: 496174 Department: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION Local Title: Purchase Assistant Budget Title: Purchase Assistant Work Type: Full Time Location: Brooklyn, NY Categories: Administrative, FinanceAre you looking to take your career to new heights with a leader in healthcare? SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is one of the nation's leading metropolitan medical centers. As the only academic medical center in Brooklyn, we serve a large population that is among the most diverse in the world. We are also highly-ranked by Castle Connolly Medical, a healthcare rating company for consumers, among the top 5 leading U.S. medical schools for training doctors.Bargaining Unit:UUPJob Summary:The Department of Contracts and Procurement at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a full-time Purchase Assistant.This employee is responsible for technical and professional work in the centralized procurement of commodities and services in Procurement and Contracts Department.An employee in this class is responsible for the procurement of a wide variety of commodities and/or services. Duties include reviewing requisitions, preparing invitations for bids/requests for proposals and purchase orders, evaluating bids, making awards, conducting research and assisting in developing standards for new products or services. A Buyer assists and advises user department procurement staff and maintains contacts with vendors. An employee at this level has the authority to obligate the state financially; however, this limit may vary and shall be determined by a higher authority on a case-by-case basis. The role manages existing contracted suppliers and locates sources and negotiates terms for non-contracted items (spot-buys). To meet service requirements, the position includes expediting, scheduling, funding verification, system interfaces and system data integrity. Work is performed under the general supervision on an administrative superior with the opportunity for independent action and judgment.The successful candidate will:

• Ensure uninterrupted supply of materials and services of a critical nature and of significant spend volumes across the hospitals.
• Locate sources of supply when contracted sources are unable to meet demands
• Work closely with Strategic Sourcing team members to identify opportunities for competitive market reviews, supplier negotiations and contracting.
• Maintain clear concise records of buying decisions.
• Conduct business in a timely and professional and ethical manner at all times.
• As a member of Purchasing Department, provides oversight and guidance to all Purchasing Assistants.
• Recognize the value and impact of core purchasing technologies and works with IT and the Department's system and technology manager to automate processes to the greatest practical extent.
• Participate heavily in analyses of processes and their revisions to optimize efficiencies.
• Review purchase requisitions for adequate specifications and scope of work, proper descriptions and completeness of information.
• Contact user department staff to clarify information on requisitions or obtain additional information.
• Contact vendors to resolve contractual problems and to gain knowledge of the products, sources, prices, marketing practices, design and capabilities of highly technical and complex commodities and services.
• Prepare invitations for bids, requests for proposals, and purchase orders and solicits bids or proposals from responsible bidders.
• Conduct pre-bid/proposal conferences.
• Evaluate bids submitted and makes awards after checking to ensure that proper security is supplied, bids are properly completed, and the responsive bidder(s) are providing the desired commodity and/or service.
• Collect statistical and other information and conducts research to support recommended actions, to determine industry standards and price discounts, and to locate commodities and services.
• Advise and trains user department staff of state statutes, regulations and procedures for the procurement of commodities and/or services.
• Assist user department staff when requested, in their direct procurements of commodities and services.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree required; in absence of degree, heavy experience in highly relevant/related role.
• 3+ years of relevant purchasing experience required.
• Strong customer service skill as well as strong verbal and written communication skill.
• Strong sense of urgency required with high level of personal accountability.
• Self-starter who understands the value and necessity of keep internal clients aware of progress and status.
• Experience with purchasing systems and supply chain management technologies required. Ability to analyze and improve processes supporting this role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Work Schedule:Monday to Friday; 9:00am to 5:00pmSalary Grade/Rank: SL-3Salary Range: Commensurate with experience and qualificationsExecutive Order:Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) ###-#### or via email at ...@goer.ny.gov.Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities and members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at ...@downstate.eduAdvertised: January 23, 2024 Eastern Standard Time Applications close: