Procurement Specialist

The City of Bellevue is looking for a Procurement Specialist to be part of the Finance and Asset Management department. This position will be responsible for the administration of procurement processes including both pre‐ and post‑award functions that include specification review, solicitation planning, advertisement, solicitation receiving, bid opening, evaluation, determination of successful bidder, award, retainage, amendments/change order processing, contract development, and closeout. Responsibilities Advise customers/clients on procurement requirements and strategize to facilitate and expedite the procurement process, requiring critical thinking and analysis. Responsible for overseeing the development and preparation of complex procurement processes, including evaluation criteria, responsibility and qualification criteria, contract terms and conditions, insurance, and retainage/bond requirements. Provide guidance to department staff on procurement objectives in terms of solicitation schedule, proper procurement procedures such as evaluation of bid or proposal irregularities, protests, contractor inquiries, prevailing wage, Title VI requirements, OWMBE requirements and federal grant requirements. Assist in the procurement process by processing quotes, requisitions, preparing and publishing solicitations, scheduling solicitation openings, coordinating or leading pre‑solicitation conferences, reviewing and analyzing contracts, routing contracts for approval and execution, monitoring vendor performance and mitigating claims and disputes. Review solicitation and contract documents for compliance with state and local laws, policies, procedures, and other legal requirements associated with public bidding and contracting. Act as a liaison with department staff, contractors, vendors, and the general public. Provide research and guidance regarding procurement, mediating and resolving contractual issues, offering solutions to problems, soliciting new vendors, facilitating meetings, and partnering to find solutions. Monitor and keep appraised of legislative updates pertaining to procurement. Make recommendations for improvements and updates. Maintain vendor contacts, handle adjustments to purchase orders for changes in materials and/or price adjustments, and carry out follow‑up procedures to expedite or coordinate deliveries. Oversee city surplus program to ensure proper disposal and sale of city assets. Respond to Public Records Requests. Manage and update procurement related policy and procedure documents. Supervision Received & Exercised Works under the supervision of the Procurement Assistant Manager (Finance & Asset Management Department). No formal supervisory responsibilities. Core Competencies Customer Focus : Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions. Innovation : The creation of better or more effective products, processing, technologies, or ideas that create positive change for the organization by challenging the status quo, improving what exists and creating new approaches. Instills Trust : Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Communicates Effectively : Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Action Oriented : Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. Decision Quality : Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving. Nimble Learning : Actively learning through experimentation when tracking new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder. Manages Complexity : Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Plans & Aligns : Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. Professional & Technical Knowledge : Demonstrate a proficient level of professional and technical skills and/or knowledge in all aspects of procurement processes and functions, including guiding staff and advising customers on procurement requirements and strategies that require critical thinking and analysis; overseeing the development and preparation of complex procurement processes, including evaluation criteria, contract terms and conditions, insurance, and retainage/bond requirements. Functional Oversight : Oversee and administer a process or function to ensure compliance with appropriate laws, policies, and procedures and meet appropriate goals and objectives. Participate in development of goals, objectives, and measures related to the process or function for inclusion in strategic plans. Propose or participate in process improvements related to the function. May support clients in accomplishing objectives related to the function. May be required to work with clients to implement changes to processes or function. Ability to remain flexible to meet constantly changing and sometimes opposing demands. Financial Monitoring & Analysis : Monitor and collect data to assess accuracy and integrity; analyze data; ensure compliance with applicable standards, rules, regulations, and systems of internal control; interpret and evaluate results, prepare documentation; create financial reports and/or presentations. Education & Experience Requirements Graduation from an accredited two‑year college or university with a degree in accounting, business, or a related field. Two or more years of responsible related experience. Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Physical Demands The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry objects up to 20 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. Flexible/Hybrid Working A hybrid work schedule is available for this position following an orientation period working in the office after hire. Remote work for this position is subject to the department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full‑time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall. #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Bellevue