Closes: November 19, 2024
Starting Range: $69,991 to $103,585
Full Range: $69,991 to $115,537

Job Description

This position is responsible for creating purchase orders or requisitions in response to specific stakeholder requests or system requirements. Experienced in using ERP systems to understand part demand/risk and create effective supply plans.  Promptly communicates order status and any exceptions to the fulfillment needs.   and is generally passionate about providing exemplary customer service. communicates urgent needs to suppliers in a respectful manner and can create workable solutions to fulfillment issues that may arise. Establishes positive internal relationships with key stakeholders and builds productive relationships with external suppliers in support of driving supplier performance. Can effectively negotiate delivery, pricing, and payment terms when needed and responsibly manages company resources. Active contributor to departmental on time delivery goals, cost savings initiatives, RFPs, & RFQs and can demonstrate effective problem-solving skills. Collaborates with internal customers to develop, prepare, competitively bid, negotiate, and execute agreements. Ensures appropriate terms and conditions to protect the financial and commercial interests of the company in contracting transactions. Provides knowledge, training, and expertise to various business units on procurement and contracting practices. This position is a vital part of Supply Chain and provides many rewarding opportunities to support company projects and activities.

Requirements Buyer/Purchasing Agent: Bachelor’s in Business, Engineering, or Marketing preferred. 3 years related purchasing or contract administration experience. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and applicable contract law with Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) desired. Broad knowledge of contracting and purchasing strategies and principles for a wide range of services and moderately complex materials desirable. Good understanding of UCC and contract law elements. Work assignments require general knowledge of the electric and natural gas industries, construction contracting, communications, and/or computer-based services. Experience involving negotiation, purchasing, inventory management, ERP (oracle preferred), contract administration, mediation, arbitration and contract claim resolution desirable. Ability to manage multiple parallel contracting activities involving complexity and risk. Sr. Buyer/Purchasing Agent: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or Marketing required. 5 or more years related purchasing or contract administration experience. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and applicable contract law with Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) desired. Advanced supply chain background. Additional experience in administering and managing contracts for highly technical, complex, or critical materials and/or services. Training and continuing education demonstrating expertise in dispute resolution, service contract issues, and resource management required.

Other combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane, Washington headquarters at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with an additional day determined by the employee and manager.

To Apply
We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have step progressions to account for an incoming employee’s various levels of knowledge, skills, and experience.

Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review. No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".

Benefits
At Avista, we believe our employees are essential. Through them we deliver value to our customers and the communities we serve. The physical, mental, and financial health and well-being of our employees and their families are important to us. We are committed to offering a comprehensive total rewards program comprised of an externally competitive, internally equitable compensation structure and a benefits package that allows us to retain and attract a diverse, engaged, and skilled workforce. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, retirement benefits, incentive plans, wellness resources, time-off programs and much more. In addition to our total rewards program, the Pacific Northwest offers abundant outdoor recreation, four distinct seasons, and all the amenities and activities an individual or family might be interested in. To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.

Pre-employment screening requirements
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.   

Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment, Affirmative Action efforts, and Equity, Inclusion and Diversity. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, protected veterans, and all others. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Equity and diversity in our workplace is important to us. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at humanresources@avistacorp.com if you would like assistance.