About the job
Application Best Consideration Date: Monday, May 11, 2026
Role Overview
The Senior Buyer at the University System of Maryland Office (USMO) provides specialized procurement services to USMO and its affiliated institutions. This role manages the full procurement process for complex, multi-million-dollar, system-wide contracts. Responsibilities include preparing and administering solicitations, purchase orders, and contracts, with a focus on system-wide agreements. The Senior Buyer also reviews and negotiates contract terms through the Strategic Sourcing Procurement Center (SSPC) on behalf of USMO and its member institutions.
Main Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing and Systemwide Contracts
- Manages the full lifecycle of competitive sealed proposals for systemwide contracts, including developing specifications, drafting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitations for Bids (IFBs), issuing addenda, organizing 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, responds to RFP inquiries, leads oral presentations, follows up on proposals, and evaluates price submissions.
- Conducts sourcing activities such as researching and consolidating data to identify qualified suppliers and detailed product specifications within assigned categories.
- Works closely with peers and stakeholders across the University System of Maryland to establish and manage Master Agreements that support system-wide business needs.
- Evaluates new sources, methods, and suppliers to ensure a steady, 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 enhance timelines, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.
Requisition to Purchase Order Processing
- Processes and manages complex procurement requests, primarily 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 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 as they relate to systemwide agreements.
Location: Adelphi, Maryland, United States

