Purchasing and Procurement Specialist
American Public Education
- Charles Town, WV
- Permanent
- Full-time
American Public Education Inc.The Purchasing and Procurement Specialist manages purchase order, requisition, and contract workflows to ensure timely processing of all purchasing activity at APEI. This role coordinates with finance, legal, and operational teams to manage vendor relationships and workflows. In addition, this position will be a key part of the Strategic Sourcing team, assisting with implementation of a procure-to-pay system, developing purchasing policy, conducting RFPs/bids/negotiations as well as purchase orders reviews.Reports to the Director or Procurement.Responsibilities:
- Administrative lead for vendor contracts in the contract management software, including:
- Setting up new vendors, employees, companies, departments, and contracts as needed.
- Manage end user issues (working with Cobblestone when required).
- Management of Contracts email account (includes entering all incoming docs, confirming accuracy, confirming signatures, managing requests from users/employees needing contract info).
- Develop procedural documentation and train users to execute the improved procurement process.
- Manage the Purchasing e-mail account to ensure responses occur within established service agreement (SLA) timelines.
- Lead the analysis of purchase authorization for adequacy of specifications and other requirements to include proper general ledger accounts, proper approval authorities, and other criteria.
- Receive and route invoices to the appropriate internal and external customers, while assisting AP with questions.
- Prepares and issues purchase orders, ensuring inclusion of complete and accurate specifications, terms, and conditions.
- Follows up with stakeholders to properly complete requests.
- Works with accounting team to assist with the identification and processing of monthly accruals.
- Coordinates with APEI, APUS, RAS, and HCN staff and various teams at all levels to meet strategic objectives.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Ability to interact with staff in a positive and professional manner
- Ability to meet communicated schedules and deadlines
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks
- Ability to creatively solve problems in a changing environment
- Advanced skills with MS Office Suite
- Ability to work as a team player with a positive attitude
- Preferred Candidate will have the following:
- 2-4 years of experience in procurement related roles
- Experience with Paramount preferred
- Excellent and oral and written communication skills
- Bachelor's Degree