Buyer

Job Description Summary
Position Overview and Key Responsibilities:

The University of Maryland's (UMD) Procurement & Business Services department is seeking a proactive problem solver to join its team of procurement professionals. The Buyer is an early-career procurement position responsible for providing professional procurement services for the University of Maryland College Park and, as needed, other institutions within the University System of Maryland (USM). Under general supervision, the Buyer manages routine and moderately complex procurements within assigned categories and level-of-signature authority, from requirements development and solicitation through award, contract and purchase order administration, and post-award support.

The Buyer works collaboratively with campus departments, procurement colleagues, and suppliers to clarify requirements, develop specifications, conduct market research and sourcing activities, and identify qualified suppliers. Responsibilities include reviewing and processing requisitions; preparing and reviewing purchase orders, contracts, solicitations, bid packages, and related documentation; conducting competitive solicitations; evaluating supplier proposals; making award recommendations; and negotiating and administering contracts and purchase orders using University-approved terms and conditions. The Buyer also processes change orders, expedites orders, supports invoice-related issues, and completes sole source actions within delegated authority.

The Buyer ensures procurement activities comply with University and USM policies, procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and audit requirements. The position advises departments on procurement processes and single and sole source justifications, maintains required documentation, and routes actions exceeding delegated authority for approval. The Buyer also supports supplier diversity by encouraging participation from minority- and women-owned businesses and small business enterprises through outreach, tracking, and documentation.

Physical Demands:

Sedentary Work: Primarily desk-based, requiring prolonged periods of sitting while performing tasks such as typing, filing, and using a computer.
Repetitive Motion: Frequent use of a keyboard, mouse, and phone, which may involve repetitive hand and wrist movements.
Occasional Lifting: Ability to lift and carry office materials, files, and supplies up to 20-25 pounds (e.g., boxes, office equipment).
Standing and Walking: Occasional walking to meetings, interacting with staff or faculty, and attending departmental events or presentations.
Visual and Mental Acuity: Requires the ability to focus on financial reports, spreadsheets, and documents for extended periods and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Communication: Frequent verbal communication with staff, faculty, and campus administrators, requiring clear speech and the ability to hear and respond appropriately in meetings and discussions.

Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience as a buyer performing work involving development of vendor source and the procurement of a variety of supplies, materials, equipment and services.

Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the concepts of market value and sources of supply for a variety of supplies, materials, and equipment.

Knowledge of competitive bid purchasing principles, methods and procedures.

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace products.

Ability to interpret narrative and technical product specifications and standards.

Ability to maintain effective relationship with internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Job Details

Preferences:

• Microsoft Suite experience is preferred.
• Higher Education experience is preferred.

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, List of References

Best Consideration Date: N/A

Posting Close Date: November 4, 2026

Open Until Filled: No.

Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required
Yes

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department
VPF-Procurement & Business Services

Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular

Salary Range
$75,760.00 - $90,912.00

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.