- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Office of Central Procurement at Penn State seeks a detail-oriented Procurement Associate to join our team. This position plays an essential role in handling procurement transactions and supporting various procurement processes across the University.
Procurement Associate reviews, prepares, verifies and approves purchase requisitions within established dollar limits and guidelines in the University system in order to process purchase orders to various suppliers for departments; verifies fair and reasonable pricing and documents purchase order files in accordance with University policies and procedures; corresponds with suppliers and customers to solve problems, share information, and ensure accurate payment.
- Prepare, edit, and process purchase orders within establish dollar limits and University policy
- Contact vendors and suppliers for quotations, and follow up on outstanding purchase orders
- Ensure all transactions meet government regulations and University policies and procedures
- Assist Procurement Managers and Agents with vendor research and negotiations; obtain information on price, delivery, payment, specifications, and purchase order terms
- Use a variety of electronic systems and databases to import and create documents, track vendor information and payments, create auctions, compose correspondence, create and process purchase orders, requests for proposal, and various financial transactions
- Identify and resolve discrepancies; obtain vendor certifications and certificates of liability insurance when required
- Assist in monitoring internal and external customer satisfaction
- May perform general office duties such as mail distribution, answering phones and greeting visitors
This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Experience and skills required to be successful in this role:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate with coworkers within and outside of the Procurement unit
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive documents and situations
- Demonstrated ability to multitask and meet deadlines
- Effective decision-making skills
- Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving abilities
- High level of accuracy in work and attention to detail
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) No prior relevant work experience required Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $36,888.00 - $53,532.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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Skills Required
- General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or high school diploma
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to collaborate with coworkers within and outside the Procurement unit
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive documents and situations
- Ability to multitask and meet deadlines
- Effective decision-making skills
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Authorization to work in the United States without visa sponsorship
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
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