Procurement Assistant

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a Procurement Assistant to join our Purchasing Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The mission of the ARL Purchasing Office is to support procurement activities by managing the end-to-end process including ensuring maximum value for dollars spent, adhering to government and university procurement and contracting regulations and policies/procedures, assuring timely delivery of goods/services, ensures proper record-keeping/safe custody of procurement and procurement related documentation, facilities procurement training, and manages relationships with all stakeholders in the procurement process.

The Procurement Assistant position will lead Requests for Quotations (RFQs) from cradle to grave and will also focus on expediting open purchase orders which will including training others that come onboard to assist with these activities. The Procurement Assistant will interface with a variety of roles including internal ARL technical and administrative roles, supplier representatives, ARL Purchasing Office staff, ARL Supply Chain staff, and ARL Accounting staff to name only a few.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Lead processing of Requests for Quotations for the Purchasing Office (Cradle to Grave Concept)

• Expedite open purchase orders

• Work closely with Supply Chain group on various activities and actively participate in and contribute in being involved with various groups and meetings

• Work closely with technical office personnel relative to RFQs and expediting of orders

• Maintaining a good working relationship with suppliers in order to get information on deliveries and/or reasons for delays, etc.

• Coordinate and collaborate with the ARL purchasing and accounting offices

• Work in a secure computer network environment

• Prepare, edit, and process low-dollar purchase orders within establish dollar limits and in accordance with government procurement regulations and per University policies/procedures

• Contact vendors and suppliers for quotations, responding to questions related to RFQs or other inquiries, and follow up on outstanding purchase orders as may be needed

• Ensure all transactions meet government regulations and University policies and procedures

• Assist Procurement Managers and Agents with vendor research and negotiations; obtain information on price, delivery, payment, specifications, and purchase order terms as may be required

• Use a variety of electronic systems and databases to import and create documents, track vendor information and payments, create auctions, compose correspondence, create and process purchase orders, requests for proposal, and various financial transactions

• Identify and resolve order discrepancies; obtain vendor certifications and certificates of liability insurance or other documents as may be required and requested

• Assist in monitoring internal and external customer satisfaction

• May perform general office duties such as mail distribution, answering phones and greeting visitors

• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

• Work with and train student interns or others that may be hired to assist position responsibilities

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher

• Documented 2+ Years of actual experience in working with controlled drawings relative to issuing Requests For Quotations (cradle to grave - issuance of RFQ, answering/responding to questions, receiving responses, tabulating responses, working with requesters/engineers/other personnel as may be required

• Experience with classified computer networks and understanding roles and responsibilities associated with such

• Documented 2+ Years of actual experience expediting open purchase orders including running reports, sorting information out of reports, updating information, relaying information in an understandable and useful manner

• Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture in an environment consisting of mostly remote employees

• Past success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective

• Excellent time management skills including understanding prioritizing work on a daily basis or as may be required

• Computer skills to include Excel, Word, Project, email, Adobe, etc.

• Demonstrated ability to work through difficult problems, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Knowledge of and experience with SAP ARIBA financial system related to procurement

Your working location will be hybrid to begin, but fully remote opportunities may exist for the right person. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position may require occasional travel to visit existing or potential suppliers with a small team of others.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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