University of Chicago · 21 hours ago
Senior Buyer, HR and Professional Services
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$78K/yr - $99K/yr
5+ years expThe University of Chicago is dedicated to supporting its mission through effective procurement services. This role focuses on the procurement and contracting of HR and professional services, requiring strong communication and project management skills.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Effectively communicates and provides specialized procurement advice, coordination, direction and service to University departments that are involved in the planning of procurement activities
Negotiates favorable contract terms, pricing, and delivery following established University protocols and procedures
Drafts and develops statement of works for solicitations, analyzes quotations/proposals, including price and cost analysis; selects or recommends suppliers; and interviews prospective suppliers
Performs the analysis, documentation, and recommendation of large dollar purchase requests
Reviews and revises simple to moderately complex contracts
Performs final commitment action for procurements under standard procedures of University practices including requirements and guidelines imposed by city, state, and federal regulations
Exercises authority to perform discretionary judgment decisions based upon competitive analysis and sole source decisions up to the dollar threshold of $250,000; may award, following signature approval by the Assistant Vice President or Category Lead, those contracts and orders assigned at higher dollar levels
Evaluates and processes contract requests, examining the request for clarity, appropriateness of purchase, and bid specifications. Determines client expectations, develops timelines that satisfy the purchase requirements and clarifies scope of work documents. Negotiates contracts including business, legal, commercial terms and conditions including volume rebates for services and products including special events, marketing, public relations, creative services, financial services, HR services, benefits, and other commodities as assigned
Advises and directs departments as appropriate to the use of University preferred supplier contracts
Works closely with procurement leadership and colleagues to develop and implement procurement initiatives that improve procurement processes, increase contract compliance, and reduce purchase and invoice transactions
Analyzes commodity spend to identify industry and/or procurement trends. Promotes and participates in diversity supplier development initiatives related to assigned commodity and socially responsible purchasing initiatives
Identifies and solves purchasing and associated invoice and contract issues
Develops and drafts a scope of work
Reviews and modifies supplier terms and conditions of an agreement and its quotations
Evaluates and recommends approvals for utilization plans. Implements the evaluation process which includes a desk audit review of documentation submitted by contractors
Works independently with internal and external clients. Uses best practices and in-depth knowledge to review and monitors the goals and objectives of the Finance and Administration department to ensure the monthly, quarterly, and annual goals are achieved
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline
Effectively communicates and provides specialized procurement advice, coordination, direction and service to University departments that are involved in the planning of procurement activities
Negotiates favorable contract terms, pricing, and delivery following established University protocols and procedures
Drafts and develops statement of works for solicitations, analyzes quotations/proposals, including price and cost analysis; selects or recommends suppliers; and interviews prospective suppliers
Performs the analysis, documentation, and recommendation of large dollar purchase requests
Reviews and revises simple to moderately complex contracts
Performs final commitment action for procurements under standard procedures of University practices including requirements and guidelines imposed by city, state, and federal regulations
Exercises authority to perform discretionary judgment decisions based upon competitive analysis and sole source decisions up to the dollar threshold of $250,000; may award, following signature approval by the Assistant Vice President or Category Lead, those contracts and orders assigned at higher dollar levels
Evaluates and processes contract requests, examining the request for clarity, appropriateness of purchase, and bid specifications
Determines client expectations, develops timelines that satisfy the purchase requirements and clarifies scope of work documents
Negotiates contracts including business, legal, commercial terms and conditions including volume rebates for services and products including special events, marketing, public relations, creative services, financial services, HR services, benefits, and other commodities as assigned
Advises and directs departments as appropriate to the use of University preferred supplier contracts
Works closely with procurement leadership and colleagues to develop and implement procurement initiatives that improve procurement processes, increase contract compliance, and reduce purchase and invoice transactions
Analyzes commodity spend to identify industry and/or procurement trends
Promotes and participates in diversity supplier development initiatives related to assigned commodity and socially responsible purchasing initiatives
Identifies and solves purchasing and associated invoice and contract issues
Develops and drafts a scope of work
Reviews and modifies supplier terms and conditions of an agreement and its quotations
Evaluates and recommends approvals for utilization plans
Implements the evaluation process which includes a desk audit review of documentation submitted by contractors
Works independently with internal and external clients
Uses best practices and in-depth knowledge to review and monitors the goals and objectives of the Finance and Administration department to ensure the monthly, quarterly, and annual goals are achieved
Performs other related work as needed
Preferred
Five years of procurement or supply chain experience in a buyer, senior buyer, sourcing, or equivalent role
Indirect procurement category sourcing experience
Demonstrated negotiation skills with experience in dealing directly with suppliers, consultants, manufacturers, distributors, and sales agents or representatives
Demonstrated customer service orientation in a support or service department
Supplier contract negotiations experience
Background in a higher education institution
Familiarity with administrative processes, procedures, and systems within a university or non-profit setting
Prior experience with an ERP system such as Oracle Fusion
Strong computer skills with competency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Demonstrated ability to use analytical techniques and tools
Proficiency in the use of spreadsheet and database software
Attention to detail in documentation and transaction accuracy
Manage multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Openness to change, ability to work independently and effectively in a variety of situations
Benefits
Health
Retirement
Paid time off
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Chicago has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (341)
2024 (318)
2023 (285)
2022 (233)
2021 (179)
2020 (172)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
Recent News
2025-11-08
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
2025-10-23
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