Business Enterprise Specialist

POSITION: BUSINESS ENTERPRISE SPECIALIST DEPARTMENT: Purchasing PAY GRADE: 25 - $63,670 Chatham County, GA Government is looking for a proactive Business Enterprise Specialist to join our Purchasing Department and champion the growth of local Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE). In this pivotal role, you will bridge the gap between small businesses and government opportunities by managing certifications, ensuring contract compliance, and fostering strategic community partnerships. If you are a detail-oriented professional passionate about driving economic initiatives, we invite you to apply. Examples of Duties Research and implement best practices within the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) industry while maintaining knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines. Review and evaluate sensitive documentation to verify business ownership, operational control, and day-to-day management structure of firms seeking local or MBE/WBE participation or certification to determine eligibility and compliance. Manage and maintain stakeholder participant communication, responding to inquiries, providing guidance, and building relationships Collaborate with internal departments to understand project scopes and identify qualified vendors and contractors capable of meeting project requirements. Coordinate with other departments to understand the scope of work needed by the department and identify appropriate vendors and contractors that can meet the scope of the work. Notify MWBE vendors and contractors of upcoming bid opportunities and develop and conduct workshops and training sessions to educate vendors and agencies on MBE/WBE program requirements and best practices. Facilitate with enrolling M/WBE and local vendors in the bidder’s database and maintain the list of local M/WBEs. Attend pre-bid and pre-proposal conference meetings, as well as bid openings, to support vendor participation and compliance. Evaluate bids and proposals to ensure compliance with County requirements and procurement policies. Participate in pre-construction meetings and perform on-site inspections to monitor contractor compliance with MBE/WBE and local commitments Inspect and monitor MBE/WBE subcontractor performance and scope of work fulfillment and evaluate subcontractor substitution requests from general contractors on projects. Partner with local agencies and nonprofit organizations to promote and expand the benefits of the County’s MBE/WBE and local program and use multiple communication channels and media formats to promote MBE/WBE program opportunities and outreach initiatives. Develop and maintain professional relationships with Project Managers, Deputies, Directors, County management, and others as needed to effectively collaborate and deliver compliance initiatives. Assess closed contract report, reconcile goal commitments, and develop methods to identify barriers in meeting set goals, recommend corrective actions, and assist in the overall achievement of MBE/WBE initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Studies, or a closely related field, and At least two (2) years of professional experience in procurement and/or technical business services to assist minority/women business enterprise; or Any equivalent combination of experience and training. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must possess certification by the American Contract Compliance Association or an industry relevant certification or be able to obtain certification within a two-year period and maintain certification throughout employment. Must be able to develop and evaluate data to ensure contract compliance and vendor #J-18808-Ljbffr