Senior Purchasing and Contracts Specialist (Substitute)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direction from the appropriate level supervisor or manager, leads, guides, oversees, trains, and provides functional and technical work direction to assigned staff; performs the most complex duties and functions of the staff responsible for the preparation, review, analysis, processing, monitoring, and reporting of purchase orders, bids, RFPs, and contracts; assists in the development, review, analysis, facilitation, monitoring, and reporting of bids and Requests for Proposals (RFP); administers single-aspect/basic RFPs and bids, as assigned; serves as the departmental representative for monthly and fiscal year-end closing tasks; assists with the implementation of departmental policies and procedures. Assists in the development, implementation, and system administration of the Purchasing and Contracts system(s); provides technical expertise to District management and staff in the operation, capabilities, and enhancement of the District’s automated Purchasing and Contracts system(s).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the Purchasing and Contracts series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned as well as the provision of functional and technical work direction to lower-level staff. Employees at this level are required to be fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit and possess advanced knowledge of all policies, procedures, laws, codes, rules, and regulations related to the assigned area of responsibility. Employees at this level must possess extensive knowledge of the operation and capabilities of the purchasing and contracts system/s and serve as the departmental lead for new system rollouts, upgrades, and enhancements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/training:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in purchasing, business, or a related field. Certified Public Procurement Buyer certification is desirable. 

Experience:

Five years of increasingly responsible purchasing and contract experience, preferably including experience in a lead role within the purchasing and contracts office of a public agency.

Desirable experience: Extensive involvement in the operation and development of automated systems and software