Purchasing Associate Jobs in Bluffton, SC (NOW HIRING)

About Us
Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from five colleges:

• Business Administration
• Education
• Engineering and Computing
• Media, Arts, and Communication
• Science and Humanities

The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.
Job Summary
The Buyer I supports the University's procurement operations by processing and coordinating purchasing activities in compliance with University System of Georgia (USG) policies, State Purchasing Division regulations, and institutional procedures. This position reviews purchase requests, facilitates procurement transactions, and assists with sourcing and contract administration activities. The Buyer I serves as a resource to campus departments and contributes to efficient, compliant, and customer-focused procurement operations.
NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.
Responsibilities
Procurement Operations (80%)

• Review purchase requisitions and supporting documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with policies.
• Determine appropriate procurement methods according to USG and State guidelines.
• Assist faculty and staff in procuring required materials and equipment by researching and supplying product information, pricing, and/or alternate items and sources.
• Process purchase orders and transactions within the financial system.
• Coordinate with departments to obtain documentation and clarify requirements.
• Assist with solicitations (RFQs, RFPs, and other procurement events) including preparation and tracking.
• Assist in evaluating vendor responses for compliance and pricing.
• Serve as liaison between departments and vendors for order status and issues.
• Expedite orders and follow up on delivery timelines.
• Maintain procurement records and files for audit compliance.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with policies and regulations.

P-Card & Compliance

• Complete P-Card transactions in accordance with guidelines.
• Perform monthly reconciliation and documentation of P-Card activity.
• Assist with procurement audits and documentation requests.

Training & Customer Support (5%)

• Provide guidance to departments regarding procurement processes.
• Assist with procurement training and outreach.
• Respond to procurement-related inquiries.

Administrative & Professional Responsibilities (5%)

• Support leadership with projects and process improvements.
• Maintain knowledge of procurement regulations and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position may be required to perform job-related duties other than those specifically delineated in this position
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Two years of professional experience related to procurement, business administration, logistics, or contract administration.
• Must meet and maintain the requirements to be issued a State Purchasing Card
• Ability to obtain GCPA (Georgia Certified Purchasing Associate) and GCPM (Georgia Certified Purchasing Manager) within 12 months of hire.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial or procurement systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, government, or public-sector procurement, preferably State of Georgia and/or University System of Georgia.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft eProcurement systems, and/or Workday platform.
• Completion of Georgia Certified Purchasing Associate (GCPA)

Proposed Salary
The proposed salary for this position is $48,000.00 annually.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to interpret financial data and prepare accurate reports.
• Ability to apply state and USG procurement regulations consistently.
• Strong customer-service orientation and ability to work collaboratively.
• Strong ethical judgment, attention to detail, and confidentiality

Apply Before Date
For best consideration, please apply by Friday, August 28, 2026.
Contact Information
For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Institutional Values
At Savannah State University, five core values shape everything we do:
Belonging - Building a community where all voices are valued and respected.
Collaboration - Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success.
Discovery - Pursuing knowledge, research, and exploration that expand horizons.
Excellence - Committing to superior achievement in every endeavor.
Resilience - Rising stronger through challenges with determination and adaptability.
These principles guide our culture, inspire our teams and define the kind of workplace we strive to build; one where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow.
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.
All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.
For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu.
Special Applicant Instructions
Applicants must include a list containing the name, e-mail address and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, mentor, colleague).
Applicants must upload transcript(s) with the application. Unofficial are acceptable. Official transcript(s) required upon hire.