Purchasing Agent

Western Technical College is a preferred employer in the 7 Rivers Region and is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for all co-workers. As an open-access institution, we proudly serve learners from all walks of life, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and lived experiences enrich our community and strengthen our mission. We are committed to creating a sense of belonging where everyone feels empowered to be themselves and supported in their personal and professional growth. This means actively identifying and removing barriers to opportunity and providing pathways to social and economic advancement. Western is deeply connected to the communities we serve, and we believe in the power of education to drive positive change. We seek individuals who are passionate about teaching and learning, dedicated to student success, and eager to collaborate in building a more vibrant, equitable community. If you share these values and are ready to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this opportunity at Western.

Summary of Position: The Purchasing Agent is responsible for Coordinating the College's procurement process, determining the method of procurement, maintaining procurement records, preparing and processing bid requests and requests for proposals (RFPs), and processing purchase orders and providing support for other positions in the Business Office.

This is a hybrid eligible position that would allow for 2-3 days a week working from home after the training period.

1. Maintain and uphold the College values of Learning, Excellence, Accountability, Diversity, Student Success, Teamwork, Integrity, and Respect.

2. Perform office functions which may include, but are not limited to: respond to internal/external customers and staff; compile data, create, modify, proofread and edit documents, records, and reports using College standard software; maintain hard copy and/or electronic filing system; monitor inventory and budget information; schedule, coordinate, and prepare materials for meetings and/or appointments.

3. Complete all required College training and responsible for maintaining the skills necessary to complete the essential functions of the position as defined by the department.

4. Student Success is the cornerstone of Western's culture and the college may assign employees as needed to other areas or additional duties to foster this success.

5. Procurement Administration - Supporting Action/Task May Include:

• Responsible for procuring goods and services for the College in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, policies and procedures.
• Prepare and analyze competitive sealed bids and requests for proposals (RFPs) and make recommendations for award.
• Coordinate and supervise activities of evaluation committees for RFPs.
• Review all requisitions and confer with departments regarding vendor selection, specification, quantity, quality and delivery to ensure best value.
• Negotiate with vendors/contractors regarding price, specifications, scope of work, terms to obtain the best value for the College.
• Perform contract administration duties including liaison between vendors and departments, compliance with contract terms and conditions, and contract extensions/terminations.
• Analyze current procurement activities and recommend improvements through more efficient procurement methods, quantity discounts, standardization, value analysis or cooperative purchasing.
• Maintain the integrity of the public procurement process.
• Work collaboratively with the WTCS Purchasing Consortium in coordinating volume purchasing endeavors and analyze spending by commodity and vendor to determine where cost savings can be generated.
• Create and maintain vendor records including updated W-9s and ACH/EFT approval documentation.
• Assist with purchasing cards when main contact is out of the office.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate Degree in Business, Finance or closely related field OR
• Education combined with appropriate occupational experience in related field totaling 3.5 yrs. (7,000 hrs.) OR
• Occupational experience in related field totaling 3.5 yrs. (7,000 hrs.)

• 2 years' experience in related field
• Experience in public procurement

This position reports to: Manager - Purchasing & Accounts Payable Manager

Starting annual salary range based on education and experience: $21.95 - $28.12

This position would include competitive salary, along with a wide variety of benefits available to full-time Western Technical College Employees. These benefits include: health, HRA, dental, life, retirement - Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), voluntary vision, supplemental Allstate insurance (accident, critical illness and cancer), pet insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance plans, flexible spending account for health & dependent care, employee assistance program (EAP), Employee Wellness Incentive, Education Reimbursement, and tax-sheltered retirement annuity programs - 457 & 403(b). We offer a range of paid leave including Bereavement, Casual Illness, Personal, Vacation, Holidays, Summer Fridays, Shut Down, Parental paid leave, Military paid leave, Volunteer leave, and Leave donation.

Western Technical College is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in the job application process to enable a qualified applicant to have an equal opportunity to be considered for a job as is provided to all Western employees. If you want to request an accommodation, please contact the EEO/AA Compliance Officer at (608)785-9274.

Non-Discrimination Notice

Western Technical College, in compliance with state and federal law, does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, marital status, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, veteran status, genetic testing or other legislated categories in employment, admissions, programs, or activities. Western prohibits retaliation against any individuals who bring forth any compliant, orally or in writing, to the College or government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination. Western provides assurance that lack of English reading/speaking skills will not be a barrier to admittance and participation in the College. General inquiries regarding the College's non-discrimination policies may be directed to:

John Heath
Director of Human Resources
Western Technical College
111 7th Street North
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-9464
WI Relay: 711