Job Summary:

Perform advanced (senior level) purchasing and procurement work. Work involves planning, organizing, coordinating, and preparing specifications for purchasing commodities and services; preparing procurement documents; and monitoring the maintenance of detailed records of items purchased, received, prepared, and issued. Supervise regional buyers. Develop schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals in support of the Procurement Department. Coordinate efforts to develop action plans to improve systems, processes, and procedures. Ensure compliance with mandated state and federal procurement regulations. Advise departments on purchasing procedures and quality of commodities, supplies and services. Work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Functions:

• Analyze data or insights to determine industry and consumer trends.
• Devise long-term development strategies for product categories.
• Develop exit strategies for unsuccessful products.
• Foster trust relationships with vendors to achieve better pricing and quality services.
• Place appropriate orders to ensure product availability that meets consumer demands.
•  Collaborate with buyers and merchandisers to expand product categories.
•  Make forecasts for product demand to ensure the sustainability of inventory.
• Coordinates with formal solicitation team review vendor needs and monitor spend to determine if RFP will be required due to purchasing trends.
• Communicates both verbally and written with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinates the audit and review of invoices, receipt of goods/services, and compliance of purchase orders.
• Monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to purchasing and procurement 
• Maintains procurement records in compliance with established policies and regulatory guidelines. 

Other Functions:

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:

Knowledge of:

• Purchasing or procurement of goods and services
• Change management methods and principles
• Project management methodologies
• State and Federal regulations related to procurement
• Contracting and procurement requirements
• Principles of leadership and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles

Skill in:

• Managing multiple and competing priorities
• Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions
• Effective leadership, management, and administration
• Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups
• Using technology and software applications like Microsoft computer programs

Ability to:

• To think creatively and support creative thinking in others
• Establish goals and objectives
• Plan, assign, and evaluate work of others
• Manage and motivate staff
• Interpret data and present information effectively both orally and written
• Build effective work teams
• Lead in an environment of change
• Effectively communicate to staff at all levels of the organization

Qualifications and Requirements:

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the position (i.e., Business Administration, Operations Management, Public Administration, Communications, etc.) Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-by-year basis.

Experience:

• 2 years of purchasing or procurement goods and services
• 2 years in governmental procurement operations
• 2 years of leadership in a lead role or supervisory capacity showing time leading a team towards a common goal.

Preferred:

Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of purchasing or procurement of goods and services
• Knowledge of change management methods and principles
• Knowledge of project management methodologies
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations related to procurement
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
• Skill in conflict management
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions
• Ability to establish goals and objectives
• Ability to manage and motivate teams
• Ability to effectively communicate at all levels of the organization

Physical Demands:

• Access all components of a workstation.
• Type, write, bend, and twist.
• Lift up to 30 pounds
• Walk, stand, and climb of stairs or ladders in all-weather conditions.

Work Environment:

• General office environment with moderate noise.
• Mostly sedentary but also involves walking, standing, or climbing for brief periods of time.
• Busy environment with many unscheduled interruptions.
• Frequent computer usage at workstation for extended periods of time as well as outdoor monitoring of facilities in all types of weather.
• Appropriate attire for indoor and outdoor duties required.