Purchasing Agent I

The Purchasing Agent I supports purchasing operations by onboarding and maintaining supplier records, collecting and validating tax and banking information, evaluating 1099 reportability, and providing supplier customer service.

  • 521838
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Division of Financial Services
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular)
  • Closing at: Jul 20 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • Hybrid eligible
View favorites

About This Role

The Purchasing Agent I supports purchasing operations by onboarding and maintaining supplier records, collecting and validating tax and banking information, evaluating 1099 reportability, and providing supplier customer service. This role also supports supplier onboarding within the marketplace system and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) to support operational efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Supplier Customer Service

  • Serve as the primary relationship owner for supplier onboarding within a peer-to-peer marketplace, facilitating end-to-end integration with P2P provider, catalog connectivity, and ongoing system health
  • Diagnose and resolve multifaceted marketplace issues spanning onboarding workflows, payments, tax compliance, account status, and platform functionality, balancing speed with accuracy
  • Act as a trusted advisor to suppliers by communicating clearly, professionally, and proactively to drive adoption, confidence, and long-term engagement
  • Navigate and escalate complex or high-risk issues across internal teams, ensuring accountability and end-to-end resolution 

KPI Tracking and Reporting

  • Monitor procurement and supplier onboarding KPIs, including onboarding cycle time, supplier compliance, and issue resolution  performance, translating metrics into actionable insights
  • Develop and maintain accurate operational logs, reports, and dashboards to support transparency, performance tracking, and        leadership decision making
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to analyze data, identify trends, surface root causes, and recommend process improvements that enhance marketplace efficiency and supplier experience 

Supplier Onboarding and Maintenance

  • Manage end-to-end supplier onboarding, including setup, validation, and activation in internal systems · Collect, review, and verify  supplier documentation (e.g., W-9/W-8 forms, banking details, certificate of insurance
  • Ensure supplier records are complete, accurate, and maintained in compliance with university and state policies
  • Update supplier information as changes occurs (address, tax status, payment method,etc.) 

Tax Compliance and 1099 Evaluation:

  • Evaluate suppliers for 1099 reportability in accordance with IRS regulations · Maintain accurate tax classifications and documentation
  • Support annual 1099 preparation by ensuring supplier data accuracy
  • Respond to supplier inquiries related to tax reporting and documentation 

Banking and Payment Support

  • Facilitate setting up ACH and other payment methods
  • Coordinate with internal teams to resolve payment issues or discrepancies
  • Ensure secure handling of sensitive financial and tax data 

Process Improvement and Collaboration

  • Identify opportunities to improve onboarding efficiency and data accuracy · Maintain documentation of procedures and best practices
  • Collaborate with Accounts Payable and Procurement teams
  • Support audits and internal reviews related to supplier data and compliance 

About Us

The Division of Financial Services at Kansas State University supports the university's mission of teaching, research, and service by providing strategic financial leadership, stewardship, and operational excellence. As part of Kansas State University, our team partners with campus units to deliver high-quality services in shared services financial and budgeting support, accounting, financial reporting, procurement, travel, and compliance. We are committed to integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement, leveraging data, technology, and collaborative relationships to ensure responsible resource management and an exceptional service experience for the K-State community.

Worksite Description

This position is Hybrid eligible. This position is hybrid eligible; however, the first 90 days are required to be 100% on-site. After that period, hybrid eligibility may be granted based on individual performance, with a requirement of three days on-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma (or equivalent)
  • Six years of relevant experience
  • Requirements may be met through combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in supplier/vendor management, accounts payable or tax compliance
  • Experience handling confidential tax and banking information
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience with ERP or supplier management systems

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Contact Information for three (3) professional references

Application Window

Applications close on:  July 20, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$20.30 to $25.87 hourly

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.