Job Summary

The Senior Buyer works with System Departmental staff to handle formal solicitations and develop, evaluate, and negotiate contracts for a wide range of products and services. Exercises considerable independent judgment and technical expertise in developing contract requirements, contract-specific language, and detailed evaluation criteria for highly complex acquisitions as determined by Supervisor and/or Director. Ensures that all purchases are made in accordance with HCC Policy, Procedures and applicable governing laws.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Review client department requests for relevance, and evaluates justification/input documents submitted by client departments to assess appropriate use of processes.

Prepare responses to requests from Supervisor & Administration.

Under the direction of Supervisor and/or Director, provide guidance to System Departments regarding procurement processes, providing technical expertise regarding appropriate procurement method, scopes of services, market research, evaluation criteria and associated weighting, and contract specific language.

Conduct advanced industry and product market research (including issuing Requests for Information) to identify alternative sources of supply.

Prepare solicitations to promote an open, fair, and competitive selection processes.

Handle complex acquisitions and prepares solicitation and award documents, including Summary of Procurements and agenda items as needed.

Serve as a non-voting Chairperson of Evaluation Committees to ensure an effective, transparent, unambiguous, and fair process.

Review requests for non-competitive solicitations (sole sources) and recommends specification changes to eliminate all artificial barriers that may limit or reduce competition.

Participate with Supervisor and/or Director in consultation with General Counsel’s Office regarding legal requirements and contractual issues.

Prepare for and participate with Supervisor/Director in any protest hearings.

Coordinate the inclusion of Small Business participation in accordance with current policy and procedures and participates in Small Business events.

Consult with Risk Management to establish insurance requirements for solicitations as needed.

Prepare responses for public records requests.

Perform contract administration including advising on contractual requirements to contractor and Client Departments.

Consult with Supervisor and/or Director and Client Department to prepare for meetings to resolve contract disputes.

Prepare supplemental agreements, contract modifications and change orders and reports.

Develop, analyze, and negotiate contracts to obtain mutually agreeable terms and conditions, and price.

Responsible for maintaining a bid calendar of current projects and contracts.

Prepare reports at the direction of Supervisor and/or Director.

Attend meetings and functions, including delivering presentations as directed by Supervisor and/or Director.

May provide guidance and represent the Department at meetings in the absence of Supervisor and/or Director.

Provide procurement technical expertise for projects and programs as assigned.

Perform other duties, tasks and assignments as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree required in Business/Purchasing or any related field

8 years of directly-related work experience may be considered in lieu of required degree

5 years’ experience in purchasing department operations and buying, or procurement management required

Experience in purchasing and/or procurement in an educational environment or governmental agency preferred

Licensing & Certification

Valid Texas Driver License

Certification in any of the following (equivalent or advanced) preferred:

Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)

Certified in Supply Management (CSM)

Certified Texas Purchaser (CTP)

Special Skills

MS Office Programs

Information Management Systems

Budget Management

State of Texas Procurement Laws and Regulations

Request for Qualifications/ Proposals

Competencies

Delivering High Quality Work

Accepting Responsibility

Serving Customers

Supporting Organizational Goals

Driving Continuous Improvement

Acting with Integrity

Thinking Critically

Managing Change

Communicating Effectively

Working Conditions

General office. May frequently be required to walk; stand; sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. Use of personal computing equipment, telephone, multi-functioning printer, photocopier, file cabinets, and calculator. Manual dexterity, ability to lift up to 25 pounds, ability to reach and bend, and use 2-step stool while safely lifting and lowering boxes. Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions or other business-related events. May be required to work after hours to include weekends and holidays.