Contract Specialist

Contract Specialist

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Finance Department is seeking a Contract Specialist to perform procurement activities, including all aspects of the Invitation for Bid and Request for Proposals process for the City and Lynchburg City Schools. This position will complete solicitations for the acquisition of goods, services, and construction, and is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act, established procedures, and best business practices to assist departments and City administration in meeting its goals and objectives. Salary is negotiable depending on experience.

Essential duties and responsibilities include issuing Invitation for Bids and Requests for Proposals for the acquisition of goods, non-professional and professional services and construction. Responsibilities also include reviewing and prioritizing requisitions and proposed specifications, researching existing needs in order to match current market availability, preparing solicitations and assisting City departments with preparation of specifications, leading the solicitation process from planning to award, providing recommendations regarding the award of contracts, monitoring vendor compliance with all terms and conditions of all contracts and purchase orders, providing necessary documentation to City staff, officials, and offerors, coordinating procurement procedures among departments, compiling department requests for similar products and services, serving as a liaison between Procurement and other City departments, recommending contracts for and monitoring the disposal of surplus equipment, materials, and supplies, resolving complaints from City staff, businesses, and citizens, interviewing and researching potential and new vendors, providing input for the maintenance of vendor files, maintaining knowledge base of current developments and best practices in procurement, reviewing new marketplace products and services, participating in planning and improving Procurement operations, performing work in order to determine source of products, goods, services, and potential new contractors, collaborating with the Information Technology Department in testing applicable procurement software, maintaining and updating the City's web site to include posting of solicitation documents, any addenda, and Notice of Awards, and performing related duties as required.

Minimum education and experience required include a Bachelor's degree and the ability to pass the CPPB exam within 36 months of employment. Two years in a position with duties closely related to those of a Contract Specialist is preferred. Possession of current procurement certification issued by UPPCC, and minimum of two years of experience in a professional procurement position, or experience equivalent to five years in a position with duties closely related to those of a contract specialist may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Additional requirements include possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and an acceptable driving record based on City criteria. Relevant background checks, including criminal background, must be completed and approved. Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.