Inventory Control And Distribution Specialist 3

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Inventory Control Specialist processes inventory requests and maintains physical inventories; provides support to customers and communicates with vendors to gather information and solve problems; utilizes electronic systems to monitor inventory levels, complete financial transactions, and record sales; maintains accurate records, completes reports and compiles product information; transfers, tags and ships inventory items; may monitor vendor and carrier performance and serve as a liaison with University departments and outside vendors.

This position will also be responsible for purchasing duties in support of the Housing & Food Services Maintenance Shop. As such the purchasning duties will include the following. The Purchasing Agent procures assigned commodities in accordance with University policies and government regulations as applicable; negotiates with vendors and evaluates vendor performance and compliance; researches potential new products and supply sources; serves as a liaison with University departments and outside organizations; monitors customer satisfaction and solve problems; uses electronic systems to conduct business transactions and compile vendor information; reviews, evaluates and/or manages contracts; conducts reverse auctions.

Typical Work Duties:

• Research and purchase materials and substitutes
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with vendors and customers
• Ensure appropriate accounting of all items
• Collaborate with staff to ensure materials are available for project completion
• Overall responsibility for planning, logistics, and accuracy of all products ordered
• May supervise staff and direct the work of others
• Manage electronic systems to process requisitions, purchase orders, and maintain vendor or supplier information, and document actions
• May serve as a liaison with Risk Management, PSU legal counsel, other University departments, and outside organizations
• Serve as a liaison with vendors, manufactures and suppliers; monitor overall performance
• Review, evaluate and manage contracts
• May conduct reverse auctions
• Negotiate purchases and contracts with vendors, ensure compliance, resolve discrepancies, determine pricing and payment terms, and/or identify potential liability issues
• Serve on or lead work group teams, committees, and focus groups
• Maintain accurate records for projects
• Coordinate all storage materials
• Inspect materials for quality specifications
• Authorize the return of items not meeting appropriate specifications
• Manage projects or work unit initiatives
• May seek out new supply sources which may include diverse suppliers, disadvantaged businesses, and environmentally responsible products
• Evaluate purchase products and services and ensure compliance with University’s policies and procedures and all government regulations when applicable

Education and Experience:

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typically requres a Bachelor's Degree or higher plus 4 years of related experience. Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Finance and Business, which Auxiliary and Business Services is part of, is a value-driven organization that supports thousands of university faculty, staff, and students, while also providing services to the broader community and society. Auxiliary and Business Services is part of the Finance and Business team and has a vision of being a progressive, creative, innovative, and caring organization that provides the highest quality services, leadership, and expertise valued by our customers, our staff, and the communities we serve. Our values model those of Penn State's and we are especially committed to our goal of effectively managing and developing human resources within Auxiliary and Business Services while providing optimum personal satisfaction and professional growth in a diverse, enriching, challenging, and stimulating environment. We also firmly believe in the value of Respect , which encourages us to "respect and honor the dignity of each person, embrace civil discourse, and foster a diverse and inclusive community." As an incoming team member in Auxiliary and Business Services, it will be expected that all employees embody and model Penn State's and Finance and Business's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: