About the job
Application Best Consideration Date: Monday, May 11, 2026
Role overview
The Senior Buyer at the University System of Maryland Office (USMO) delivers specialized procurement support to USMO and its affiliated institutions. This position oversees the end-to-end procurement process for large, complex contracts that span the entire university system. Key tasks include preparing and managing solicitations, purchase orders, and contracts, with a strong emphasis on system-wide agreements. The Senior Buyer also reviews and negotiates contract terms through the Strategic Sourcing Procurement Center (SSPC), acting on behalf of both USMO and its member institutions.
Main responsibilities
Strategic sourcing and systemwide contracts
- Oversees the full lifecycle of competitive sealed proposals for systemwide contracts, including developing specifications, drafting RFPs and IFBs, issuing addenda, coordinating evaluation committee meetings, conducting debriefings, and preparing recommendations for contract awards that may require Board of Regents or Board of Public Works approval.
- Coordinates pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences, answers RFP inquiries, leads oral presentations, follows up on proposals, and evaluates price submissions.
- Conducts sourcing activities by researching and consolidating data to identify qualified suppliers and detailed product specifications within assigned categories.
- Collaborates with peers and stakeholders across the University System of Maryland to establish and manage Master Agreements that address system-wide business needs.
- Evaluates new sources, methods, and suppliers to maintain a reliable, cost-effective supply of goods and services.
- Performs price and cost analyses to support award recommendations, negotiation strategies, and long-term value in systemwide agreements.
- Seeks ongoing improvements in sourcing processes by applying lessons learned to improve timelines, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.
Requisition to purchase order processing
- Processes and manages complex procurement requests, mainly for systemwide contracts and master agreements, within assigned signature authority, ensuring all required documentation is complete and retained.
- Routes procurement requests that exceed signature authority for further approval and expedites them as needed.
- Verifies the completeness and accuracy of procurement documentation to support audit readiness and contract compliance.
- Responds to complex questions about procurement policies and procedures related to systemwide agreements.
Location: Adelphi, Maryland, United States
