Assistant Procurement Coordinator

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Procurement Coordinator.

Position Details

Location Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

703 East Beach Drive

Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564

United States

Division GCRL Procurement

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 15.82 - 18.61

Pay Grade

N06

Posting Close Date Open until filled

Job Summary

The Assistant Procurement Coordinator provides procurement functions at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in collaboration with the Procurement Coordinator under the guidance of the Director of Procurement on the Hattiesburg campus. This position has limited official purchasing authority to legally obligate the institution for the purpose of acquiring goods and services. This position routinely makes decisions and authorizes purchases following all state and federal purchasing laws, with minimal direct supervision. Considerable independent judgment is required to carry out assigned duties.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in reviewing all GCRL purchase requisition requests, including advising, determining, and recommending the most appropriate and efficient purchasing method (e.g., purchase order or P-Card).Assists Procurement Coordinator as needed for various procurement functions and serves as back-up when the Procurement Coordinator is not in the office.

• Processes purchases for GCRL faculty and staff using primarily a Procurement Card (P-Card), but also purchase orders as needed in accordance with University and State policies and regulations. Reconciles P-Card transactions in SOARFIN as a back-up for the Receiving and Purchasing Clerk.

• Performs the following duties, as needed or assigned: Processes annual maintenance contracts and annual rental agreements by obtaining bids and quotes in accordance with University policies and procedures and State procurement laws. Coordinates the advertisement of bids/RFPs in newspapers as well as submits them online to OPTFM as required by the State, maintains the bid file, returns bid bonds (if applicable), prepares/issues addenda and notifies vendors of their release. Conducts public bid openings when required and prepares bid tabulations for competitive solicitations.

• Consults with and supports GCRL Faculty and Staff by providing proper procurement related guidance. Attends professional development and continuing education opportunities to maintain proficiency with the Mississippi DFA Procurement Manual regulations and processes and periodic DFA notifications, construction bid laws, and the ITS (information technology) rules and regulations. Maintains certification with the Certified Mississippi Purchasing Agent (CMPA) training course and renews CMPA status every five years.

• Distributes and files purchase orders and other documentation as required. Archives procurement paperwork using electronic storage systems, including but not limited to, purchase orders, invoices, and purchase requisitions. Submits and tracks new vendor registration documentation. Serves as back for receiving activities for the GCRL Cedar Point campus, including receiving incoming packages, staging shipments, and coordinating package pickup/delivery. Serves as a resource to GCRL personnel in tracking Personal Services Agreements.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in a business-related area, supply chain management, or other related field, and three years related experience in purchasing, procurement and contracts or equivalent combination of education and experience. Incumbent must be able to successfully complete Certified Mississippi Purchasing Agent (CMPA) training course within first year of employment and obtain certification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Adept in office systems and technology

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate with a diverse group of individuals

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals;

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume;

• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry, and read and interpret various data charts and graphs

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

• Ability to interpret a variety of information furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form

• Learn new concepts and apply knowledge appropriately

• Work with others to achieve a common goal (Teamwork)

• Adjust to changing workplace demands (Adaptability)

• Meet the needs and expectations of internal and external customers (Customer Service)

• Effectively demonstrate skill and ability to perform the specific job duties and tasks as defined by a job description (Technical Competence)

• Effectively demonstrate knowledge and proficiency with the Mississippi DFA

• Procurement Manual and periodic notifications, construction bid laws, and the ITS (information technology) rules and regulations.

• Excellent work ethic and dependability (Quality of Work)

• Excellent organization and time management skills (Workload Management/ Productivity)

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience in higher education or governmental procurement. C.P.M., CPPB, CPPO, or other nationally recognized supply chain certification.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.