Buyer II

Job Description

Job Description

Buyer II: 

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County’s need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare.

  Job Description: 

This is a professional position responsible for providing professional procurement services for purchasing supplies, services, construction and equipment for the Housing Opportunities Commission.    

Individuals performing this work need extensive knowledge of procurement methods, principles and practices.  The work requires analysis to compare costs, delivery times and quality of products.  

Under occasional supervision, an employee in this class provides assistance with preparation of purchase requests, administration of routine purchasing contracts, collection of technical information for development of bid specifications for services and equipment, and determines awards of assigned Request for Proposals, Invitation for Bids, and other procurement methodologies, and recommends vendor selection.   Guidelines exist in the form of Federal, State and County procurement regulations, internal purchasing procedures and the terms and conditions of contracts and agreements.  

The work performed has a direct impact on the quality of operations of the Housing Opportunities Commission through prompt deliveries of goods and services at competitive prices. 

Contacts are with all levels of HOC employees, public and or clientele, other governmental agencies, outside business organizations for the purpose of providing and verifying information and reporting status of procurement actions.   Work is primarily performed in an office setting and is sedentary but with periods of intermittent standing, walking, moderate lifting and some bending.  

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES :

• Full performance level of procurement dealing with all levels of complexity and staff contact.  Reviews and analyzes purchase requests determining the appropriate procurement method, collecting technical information and developing bid specifications.   Initiates such procurement actions as obtaining bids through phone or email solicitation or conducts routine IFB’s, RFP’s, and RFQ’s.
• Analyzes solicitation bids, tabulates and determines lowest, responsive and responsible bidder and recommends award of contract, or places purchase orders for goods and services not requiring formal advertisement for bids/proposals.
• Meets with department personnel to clarify purchase requirements, and to explain procurement-related procedures involving the bidding process, purchase and change orders, and types of solicitations.  Places orders with limited signature authority.
• Assists with or provides training to staff on procurement policies and procedures.
• Assists with or provides training to staff on procurement systems/platforms. 
• Works with vendors and staff to resolve disputes, and ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions.  Coordinates adjustments with suppliers such as replacement of materials not in conformance with specifications or cancellation of orders and insures receipt of proper credit.
• Initiates contract renewals, modifications and extensions; ensures pricing agrees with contracts, and that price increases fall within contract allowances.
• Ensures that RFP/IFB’s are issued, evaluated and awarded properly.
• Maintains awareness of new products, price changes, and other information that could affect the purchasing of items, and recommends substitution of items to reduce cost or improve delivery time.  
• Prepares necessary correspondence and reports and assists with preparation of Commission presentation items.
• Maintains databases and preparation of custom reports.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Experience : 

• At least three years of experience in full cycle procurement.  
• Professional buyer certification preferred. 
• Must have advanced writing skills as required for writing specifications, invitations to bid, request for proposals and contracts.

Education : 

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Related Field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : 

• Knowledge of public procurement methods and procedures as well as techniques of specification writing.
• Knowledge of Procurement systems (Yardi/OpenGov preferred) and the ability to understand the modules.  
• Knowledge of basic insurance requirements.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of the best supplies, material, equipment, and services essential to HOC operation.     
• Ability to appropriately describe in technical language items and services to be procured.  Will also respond to bid protests and prepare oral and written recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with HOC employees and the general public.
• High level proficiency with all Microsoft Office Programs needed. Will design and create complex spreadsheets for tracking of information in Access, Excel, Yardi and OpenGov to include creation of reports, forms and documents.
• Updates the Procurement Manual as needed.
• Assists and/or Maintains the Purchasing Office’s web pages. 
• Maintains and tracks renewals. 
• Duties as assigned. 

 * Salary Range: Grade 19- Min: $59,565- Mid: $78,228 Max: $96,891 | Salary determined by departmental budget- Offer commensurate with experience.

This position is designated by the County Executive as one requiring the incumbent to file a Public Financial Disclosure Statement (FDS) pursuant to Montgomery County Ethics Policy. You must file an FDS within 15 days of your hire date, on an annual basis, and when you leave this position.

HOC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. HOC promotes a drug-free workplace.

HOC conducts criminal background checks, employment reference checks, and where applicable, reviews driving records in determining suitability for employment. Selected applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employment is contingent upon drug and alcohol test results.