Purchasing Officer (Technical Buyer) at the American University of Nigeria (AUN)

The American University of Nigeria was founded in response to the need for a world-class university in sub-Saharan Africa. The University’s mission is to provide quality education to Nigeria and Africa’s future leaders in order to equip them with the skills needed to solve development issues on the continent, and give them the knowledge needed to create solutions that will benefit their community, their country and, ultimately, the world.

The American University of Nigeria, Yola, is seeking a suitable and qualified candidate to fill the vacant position below, this position is a local position and is open to indigenous and/or legal residents of Nigeria:

Job Title: Purchasing Officer (Technical Buyer)

Location: Yola
Department: Finance (Purchasing & Procurement)

Summary of Position

• The Technical buyer under limited direction performs difficult and complex technical duties related to the purchasing of services, supplies and equipment in accordance with established policies and procedures; writes specifications, prepares bid forms and handles bidding processes, analyze technical and financial bid results and makes recommendations and awards; process purchase orders; reviews requisitions for completeness, accuracy and risk management; prepares and maintains purchasing monthly reports relevant for decision making.
• As assigned, also performs other duties to assist in and promote the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Purchase Department.

Detailed Listing of Responsibilities

• Initiates bid/quote process for AUN departments for services, supplies and equipment; consult with users and consultants to develop technical specifications; prepares bid documents and oversees the bid process; performs bid analysis and makes recommendations regarding purchases.
• Prepares and processes purchase requisition forms, purchase orders and professional level agreements for contractors services; obtains proper business documentations to validate, set up, assign and track vendor IDs on banner; verifies appropriateness of accounting codes and availability of budgets for requisitions received.
• Determines and develops appropriate sources of supply and maintains cooperative working relationships with vendors to stay current with trends and technologies, products and services
• Evaluates requests, and processes purchase orders for purchase related activities in accordance with AUN Purchasing and Procurement procedures and policies.
• Continually monitor suppliers to ensure cost, quality and delivery adherence. Using internal customers specifications as a tool for measuring delivery and quality compliance.
• Provide information and support as required to the Director of Purchasing and Procurement, departmental/unit  heads and other internal customers. This  will include but not limited to delivery dates and pricing for products and services required.
• May be responsible for and specialize in specific commodities such as furniture, stockless stores, construction project materials, automobile and /or technical equipment, etc. Responsible to research and respond to the specific facilities maintenance and operational requirement of the University.
• Resolves problems and issues arising from purchase of services, supplies and equipment with internal customers and suppliers.
• To play active role in achieving departmental objectives such as cost reduction targets year on year, supplier reduction and improve stock management
• Prepare preferred Supplier list and make evaluation report for supplier’s ability yearly for key suppliers.
• Support technical maintenance services and spare parts requirements in line with AUN procedures
• Play a key role to coordinate with internal customer and supplier to verify bad quality, to improve technical part in line with actual in Local sources.
• Perform Ad-hoc duties as assigned by the Director of Purchasing and Procurement.

Other requirements and abilities for the position:

• Ability to learn and interpret difficult and complex technical rules, regulations and instructions.
• Ability to write specifications, prepare bid documents, handle bidding process and anlyze all bid results.
• Ability to analyze understands and negotiates legal contracts and forms.
• Ability to perform detailed work related to purchasing with judgment, accuracy, confidentiality and promptness
• Ability to maintain and prepare records, files and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, follow and give oral and written directions.
• Ability to understand basic negotiation techniques for items of low value
• Ability to use relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether processes or events comply with guidelines, regulations or purchasing standards
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in preparing and entering information
• Ability to use basic accounting/business math to solve problems

Educational /Qualifications

• B.Sc or HND in Engineering (Civil or Mechanical preferred)
• Must be computer literate
• Able to understand basic engineering processes and information

Experience:

• Three years experience in purchasing a variety of general and specialized items, shipping and receiving, and basic accounting, preferably for construction/Engineering firms.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings
• Good understanding of how parts are made would be an advantage.

Description of Benefits
Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and job classification as approved by the University.

Application Closing Date
14th September, 2017.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their resumes, cover letters and references to: recruitment@aun.edu.ng The position being applied for should be the subject of the email.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.