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University of West Georgia

Procurement Agent-Associate

University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia, us, 30112

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About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 14,400+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.

Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Job Summary

This position is a customer-focused, state-certified role (training provided) that combines procurement expertise with data analysis to ensure efficient and compliant operations. The Procurement Agent reviews, approves, and dispatches purchase orders, verifying that they meet published standards, order-of-precedence requirements, and includes the necessary documentation and financial coding. The role also manages the University's wireless device program, serving as the campus subject matter expert. In addition, the position is responsible for examining, organizing, and presenting procurement data to improve understanding, identify trends, and support future planning. The Procurement Agent ensures all procurement of goods and services complies with federal, state, and university policies and procedures while assisting administrators, faculty, and staff by providing guidelines, best practices, and recommendations based on compliance and chart of accounts requirements. Working collaboratively with a team of certified professionals, the position applies training to real-world scenarios, supports the procurement manager, contract manager, and campus departments, and provides a high level of customer service to both internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

1.- Procurement Operations & Guidance:Guides campus partners in acquiring goods and services in compliance with federal, state, and university requirements. Share BMP's for contract portal use, contract process, contract renewals, and submitting associated requisitions to ensure purchase order processing. Process purchase orders, verifying compliance with published standards, order of precedence requirements, supporting documentation, and proper procurement/financial coding. Contribute to the design and delivery of procurement training for campus partners across a variety of instructional formats. Assist with the oversight of university contracts, delivering accurate, timely, and compliant guidance to campus partners. Assist campus partners in identifying and utilizing appropriate contract vehicles to effectively support the university's mission. Ensure procurement activities comply with federal, state, and university policies and procedures. Provides administrative support to the Procurement Office, and campus departments with additional administrative functions to meet departmental mission. Delivers high level customer service to all stakeholders and suppliers. Monitors departmental email, researches inquiries, and provides timely, policy-compliant responses in accordance with federal, state, and university requirements.

2.- Wireless Communications: Manage and oversee the university's wireless device program, serving as the campus subject matter expert and collaborating closely with Information Technology Services to ensure effective program administration and support. Manage purchase orders, account changes, and service requests for all university wireless communication devices. Serve as the primary point of contact for cell phone service and associated hotspot devices. Establish and maintain records retention schedules, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with State of Georgia requirements. Oversee the storage of electronic records to maintain accuracy and audit readiness. Oversee the receipt, management, and disposition of surplus wireless devices as needed. Maintain a comprehensive inventory of wireless communication devices and conduct an annual device inventory.

3.- Fuel PIN Program: Manage the university fuel PIN program, including maintaining the master list of approved users, issuing PINs, and ensuring all program participants are properly authorized. Provide timely and professional customer service related to the fuel PIN program, addressing questions, concerns, and troubleshooting issues. Monitor program usage to ensure compliance with state and university policies and procedures. Maintain accurate records of fuel PIN assignments, updates, and deactivations. Must be able to pass a credit check, obtain, and manage a university purchase card responsibly. Must be able to pass a credit check, obtain, and manage a university purchase card responsibly.

4.- Data Analysis: Analyze and present procurement data in clear, concise, accessible formats to support decision-making and predict future trends. Review purchase orders for compliance with State of Georgia procurement regulations, published guidelines, and university policies. Analyze contracts/purchase orders from a strategic perspective by generating reports, running queries, and interpreting data trends. Identify process improvements and recommend best practices to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in the contracts/purchase order lifecycle. Provide feedback and guidance to campus partners, supporting informed decision making and adherence to procurement standards. Collaborate with procurement staff and administrators to streamline operations, resolve discrepancies, and improve workflows. Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and reporting tools that strengthen the overall procurement function. Maintain strong customer service by ensuring timely communication, clear explanations of requirements, and professional support to both internal stakeholders and external vendors.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements High School / GED

Required Experience 1-2 years of experience in a purchasing or procurement environment, or experience in a fast-paced setting, leadership role, or customer service position. Ability to achieve Georgia Certified Purchasing Agent (GCPA) certification within six (6) months of hire. General knowledge of State or government accounting policies, procedures, and processes.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications Georgia Certified Purchasing Agent (GCPA) and Georgia Certified Purchasing Manager (GCPM) certifications. Experience in higher education procurement. Additional procurement certifications.

Proposed Salary

$19.61 - $25.00 an Hour. Paid on a Bi-Weekly Basis.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES Works effectively as part of a team, even in environments with frequent interruptions. Responds diplomatically to sensitive or critical issues and interacts professionally with all levels of management. Ensures accurate, timely work with strong attention to detail. Provides exceptional customer service while maintaining professionalism and collaboration in team environments.

KNOWLEDGE Demonstrates agility and adaptability to shifting work priorities, deadlines, and schedules. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data to resolve challenges and support decision-making. Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and the ability to make informed decisions as a self-starter and adaptive learner.

SKILLS Skilled in electronic records management, including DocuWare. Proficient in Microsoft Excel. Experienced with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, PeopleSoft, and electronic procurement systems. Possesses excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, along with superior interpersonal and relationship-building abilities. Strong planning, organizing, and analytical skills.

Physical Requirements Lifting up to 15lbs

Office Environment - Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50)

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.