Purchasing Agent

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number 20270012NE Job Title Purchasing Agent Number of Vacancies 1 About Murray State

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

About Murray State Benefits

Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Type of Employment Regular Full-Time If Part Time, Enter Hours Per Week Work Location Murray, KY Employment Term 12 Months Position Type Staff - Non-Exempt (Hourly) Department Procurement Services Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for establishing contractual agreements for goods and services in a manner to maximize the best value for the University in accordance with existing statutes, regulations, and policies. Determine correct source based on factors such as price, quality, need, and any other pertinent data. Establish responsive, productive and ethical relationships with university departments, state agencies, professional trade organizations, and vendors. This position reports to the Director of Procurement Services.

• Provide sources for merchandise, service and maintenance.

• Price contracts:

• Maintain current files of applicable consortium, state and federal contracts.

• Establish local price contracts based on recurring requirements.

• Utilize existing vendor list and provide input to modify the existing list to meet current requirements.

• Monitor trade publications for new, competitive vendors and products.

• Possess a working knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, rules, and policies.

• Maintain or gain access to regulatory information.

• Participate in professional development activities, membership in professional organizations, attendance at seminars and workshops.

• Educate University departments on appropriate procurement procedures and policies.

• Contractual Agreements:

• Bids, Request for Proposals and Quotations:

• Responsible for determining requirements, defining and writing specifications, conduct competitive negotiations with responsive bidders, and preside over evaluation committee.

• Properly award contracts based on evaluation criteria and specifications.

• Requisitions:

• Determine appropriate purchasing action - bid, quote, price contract, direct purchase.

• Ensure delegated authority has not been exceeded, appropriate account manager has approved specific account number, and applicable price contract information is recorded.

• Review computer generated requisitions for clarity, correctness, completeness, and compliance with Kentucky statutes and University rules and policies.

• Communicate with appropriate departments to clarify requests, add needed information, or research and obtain appropriate supporting documentation for the purchase.

• Purchase Orders:

• Have purchase orders properly and accurately prepared from the following base documents:

• Regulations

• Price Contracts

• Bids, quotations and request for proposals.

• Serve as backup in resolution of purchase order payment

• Maintenance, License and Lease/Purchase Agreements:

• Responsible for providing all applicable information for establishing these agreements. Ensure base documents are accurate, bid process, existing contracts, etc.

• Assist in resolution of continual problems.

• Serve as backup with the development, review, revision and maintenance of purchasing forms, templates, and related procurement documents to ensure compliance with University policies.

• Serve as backup in establishing special service and personal service contracts.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements

• Three years' experience in purchasing a variety of commodities and administering contracts (if degree is in Business related field). Four years' experience in purchasing a variety of commodities and administering contracts (if degree is in a field other than Business).
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel.
• Preference given for professional certification, experience in procuring construction, and experience in governmental purchasing.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications

• Degree in Business or related field

Posting Date 07/24/2026 Closing Date 08/07/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants Hourly Rate/Annual Salary $19.39 (Additional pay dependent upon qualifications) Staff Grade 108 Work Hours

• Normal working hours.

Physical Demands

• Normal for office environment.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you currently have a Bachelor's degree?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have three years' experience in purchasing a variety of commodities and administering contracts?

(Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Other Document