Purchasing Assistant

Classification & Regular Hours

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: Level M

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth.  We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

Western Libraries is committed to excellence: anticipating information and service needs related to the University’s goals for research and scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to our university community and key partners.  Our staff engages the Western academic community in the development of new services, and continuously strives to exceed the expectations of our diverse user groups. 

Responsibilities

The Purchasing Assistant is responsible for the procurement and/or receipt of library material for Western Libraries in various formats (e.g., Print, electronic, subscriptions, monographs) utilizing the library acquisitions budget using both the Library Services Platform and vendor authorized ordering systems. The role is responsible for receiving and finishing, copy cataloguing, and identifying, and supporting the resolution of access issues related to electronic resources. In completing assigned work, the Purchasing Assistant performs duties that require application of library policies and procedures as well as Western’s auditing and procurement standards. 

Qualifications

Education:

• 2 year community college diploma in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business, Library Technician or related program

Experience:

• 1 year of experience providing procurement support using an electronic system and providing vendor relations; preferably in a Library environment 
• 1 year of experience in receiving and copy cataloguing applications within an academic library setting, or similar is preferred 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of procurement processes, terminology and online purchasing systems with a working knowledge of accounting principles
• Understanding of current descriptive cataloguing codes, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Library of Congress Classification, and MARC encoding format
• Ability to analyze and synthesize sizable amounts of detail/data
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills to complete accurate calculations (specifically as applied to transposition of dollar amounts, calculating percentage increases, net 30)
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to describe technical matters in non-technical terms
• Demonstrated ability take initiative, to work independently and follow through on work assignments
• Competency to maintain confidentiality and treat sensitive information with discretion
• Demonstrated ability to understand and resolve external and internal partner issues
• Ability to maintain a positive, outgoing attitude with genuine customer service orientation
• Ability to follow formal business practices with high attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
• Adapts readily and effectively to changing priorities and demands
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
• Ability to demonstrate patience and focus to complete detailed tasks
• Ability to interact professionally with students, staff, faculty, and other members of the University community
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Basic proficiency required in Microsoft Office in order to prepare correspondence and emails, and input data into spreadsheets and databases
• Familiarity with software applications used by Western preferred – e.g. OWL, Cascade, PeopleSoft, Mustang Market
• Familiarity with Western policies and guidelines preferred
   

Union Statement

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

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