Assistant Purchasing Agent Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Indian River State College is seeking a detail-oriented and service-focused procurement professional to support the College's Purchasing Department. Under minimal supervision, this role assists with daily purchasing activities, coordinates procurement processes from requisition to purchase, and serves as a Purchasing Agent to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant transactions.

This position collaborates with College departments and external vendors to support effective purchasing decisions, maintain strong vendor relationships, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies. The ideal candidate brings strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to supporting the College's mission through dependable procurement services.

Indian River State College is a leading public institution located on Florida's Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor's degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs.

At The River, we believe every student's and employee's story matters. We value the different perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together on our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that's supportive, inclusive, and inspiring. With flexible options online, on campus, and hybrid, we design learning experiences that meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program open doors by providing eligible students with tuition-free access, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

Why Join the River

When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a forward-thinking and supportive community where your work truly matters. Your role is more than a job; it's an opportunity to shape the future, uplift students, and be part of a mission-driven college that is changing lives every day.

What We Offer
At Indian River State College, we value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, supplemental plans, and access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Affordable Coverage: PPO/HMO options starting at just $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage.

Retirement Security: Participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), plus tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) options.

Time for You: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave to support work-life balance.

Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and tickets to local attractions.

Growth & Development: Professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities to advance your career.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under minimal supervision, this position assists in the procurement process for the Purchasing Department of the College. Duties include: working collaboratively to provide quality procurement services to College employees by directing and coordinating phases of procurement; making purchases on behalf of the College on a daily basis; and acting as a Purchasing Agent on every level with purchasing quotes to ensure a smooth transition from requisition to purchase.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage vendor relationships, including negotiating terms and maintaining effective, professional communication.
• Request, receive, and evaluate vendor quotes in compliance with Florida Statutes and State Board Rules, selecting the vendor that best meets institutional needs based on experience and established guidelines.
• Review requisitions and determine the appropriate processing method by considering cost, timeline, constraints, existing contracts, and competitive bidding requirements.
• Verify purchase prices and all associated costs with vendors and internal departments to ensure accuracy and adherence to policy.
• Oversee the transition from requisitions to purchase orders to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting requirements.
• Monitor orders and requisitions, performing necessary follow-up and preparing related correspondence, reports, findings, and recommendations.
• Create, maintain, and monitor required purchasing and procurement reports.
• Perform year-end purchasing functions, including purchase order closing, rollover, reporting, and related documentation.
• Assist the Purchasing Director with purchasing activities, bid preparation, and bid process management.
• Maintain the vendor table in compliance with postal and IRS regulations, including completing and submitting 1099 MISC forms.
• Review and approve online purchase requests and provide support to College personnel on online purchasing entries.
• Prepare, document, and assemble bid materials and meeting minutes for the District Board of Trustees.
• Ensure accurate recording, organization, and retention of all procurement-related records, including vendor files, purchase orders, change orders, and contracts
• Complete all other related duties and responsibilities assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting or a related field from an accredited institution with a minimum of two (2) years of proven work experience in purchasing;
• Ability to travel periodically to other IRSC campuses and locations as needed;
• Excellent business aptitude with strong attention to detail;
• Possess a working knowledge of suppliers and vendors;
• Proven work experience with Microsoft Office and Windows based applications as well as experience in completing data entry;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Strong communication skills - both verbal and written;
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Extensive business work experience
• Knowledge of purchasing processes and corresponding accounting concepts;
• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated as well as work with a team;
• Ability to work diplomatically and professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including the public, students, faculty, staff, and administrators;
• The following qualifications are preferred:
  • Prior work experience with an integrated accounting system;
  • Professional Certification (i.e. CPPB,CPPO, CPM)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as light work involving lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially all of these activities. If someone can do light work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary work, unless there are additional limiting factors such as loss of fine dexterity or inability to sit for long periods of time.