Purchasing agent jobs in Palo Alto, CA - 432 jobs

Under the supervision of the CPO the Procurement Analyst 3 serves as an experienced member of the procurement team, providing complex professional procurement and contracting expertise for ANR's goods and service needs at all levels of procurement. This position requires an adaptable, forward-thinking professional who is ready to integrate emerging tools to enhance procurement efficiency, strategic sourcing, and contract management. The Procurement Analyst 3 will be assigned and undertake normal and typical public procurement tasks. These include, but are not limited to: informal and formal competition, data compilation and analysis, negotiating, drafting scopes/contracts/specs/, meeting with end users, suppliers, colleagues, management, assisting with P-card & travel issues, interpreting and implementing UC policy, evaluating departmental requests, applying best judgment, analyze & recommending procurement direction at all levels, participating on various project teams, assisting with administering various procurement-based projects or programs, documenting actions. The position will consistently identify opportunities for competition/savings/standardization/efficiencies while remaining flexible to evolving technologies, such as AI and automation. This position is a contract appointment that is 100% fixed and ends one year from date of hire with the possibility of extension if funding permits. This position is posted as a Procurement Analyst 3 but a Procurement Analyst 2 may be considered depending on the level of experience of the hired applicant. The home department is the IMM Office of AVP, Business Operations. While this position normally is based in Oakland, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University. Pay Scale: Procurement Analyst 2 - $63,000.00/year to $85,700.00/year Procurement Analyst 3 - $74,700.00/year to $103,800.00/year Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 11/24/2025. Key Responsibilities: 50% PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING SERVICES Drafts appropriate RFx to go to vendor market to compete, negotiate, source goods, materials, supplies, equipment, and services. This may be informal or formal and may use the UC Systemwide sourcing tool if required. Negotiates with suppliers related to pricing, terms, etc., develops new supply sources, as needed, and resolves supplier performance issues. Provides general analysis and for specific purchasing projects, and reviews terms and conditions for appropriateness. Makes awards based on determined method (cost, best value). Interprets, applies, and implements University policies and procedures. Champions Systemwide Procurement programs. Documents interpretations of processes, policies, and procedures for actions and events during procurement and contracting. 40% CUSTOMER SERVICE/OUTREACH Assists/Leads ANR departments with procurement processes. Regularly communicating with the organization's customers, assesses and reduces risk to the University by ensuring departmental compliance with procurement policy, working in conjunction with end-users to develop specifications/scopes of work for competing or negotiating. Assists in implementation of organizational or systemwide agreements, manages demand against agreements, makes recommendations regarding new supply sources. Support outreach efforts to expand the university's access to qualified business enterprises, leveraging technology to enhance supplier engagement and diversity. Represents ANR Procurement at various internal and external conferences, events, and functions as needed. 10% OTHER Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Procurement Officer, or AVP. Maintains continuity and quality of service and operations within the Procurement division. Represents ANR on UC Systemwide teams & councils, as required. Participates in professional development and training. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in business, finance, supply chain management, or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Adaptability & Technology Readiness: Demonstrated ability to learn, adopt, and apply emerging technologies, including AI-driven procurement tools, automation platforms, and data analytics. Procurement & Negotiation Skills: Experience in procurement, sourcing, or contract negotiation, including developing solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs), vendor evaluation, and administering contracts. Customer Service & Communication: Strong customer service mindset with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, provide guidance on procurement processes, and ensure a positive user experience. Analytical & Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to assess complex information, interpret policies, and develop innovative solutions to procurement and sourcing challenges. Preferred Skills: Knowledge of Industry-Specific Procurement: Experience with sourcing goods and services in industries such as information technology, scientific research, MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations), or other compatible industry specific areas. Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making: Ability to analyze problems objectively, set priorities, and recommend appropriate courses of action. Organizational & Time Management Skills: Capacity to independently manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adjust to shifting priorities. Understanding of Procurement Regulations: Familiarity with contracting principles, business law, accounting guidelines, and procurement regulations at the state and federal levels. Professional Industry Certification is preferred. CPSM, CPSD, NIGP-CPP, CPCM as examples of current certifications. Others considered as applicable. Special Conditions of Employment: Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited. As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy Abusive Conduct in the Workplace To apply, please visit: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucanr/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=82382&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=17&language Cd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved. Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-b31481dbaec8b44b84a1164cf890023f