Senior Contract Buyer at Purchasing Services [33030]

Senior Contract Buyer

The job of Senior Contract Buyer is done for the purpose of acquiring the necessary resources to support District operations; responsible for the procurement of specialized commodities of a complex nature requiring experience in purchasing and contracting procedures; develops, distributes and evaluates solicitation packages; ensures that District revenues are effectively utilized and properly allocated; ensures audit trail and reference documentation of purchases; ensures compliance with related procurement regulations.

Duties and responsibilities include developing and writing bid, proposal and quotation solicitations including specifications, scope of work, response questionnaires, pricing sheets, evaluation criteria, addendums, contract amendments, and best & final offers as applicable; evaluating bid, proposal and quotation responses, calculating pricing schedules, documenting evaluation findings, and preparing accurate and well justified award recommendations; assisting in drafting responses to inquiries concerning legal and technical criteria for contract award decisions; overseeing and reviewing the work of procurement support staff, providing staff training and working with staff to correct deficiencies; attending various meetings for the purpose of communicating and/or gathering information required to develop bid specifications, resolve problems, and/or implement alternative solutions; attending professional meetings for the purpose of remaining knowledgeable with current regulations and practices; evaluating vendors for the purpose of determining their capability to perform specifications; facilitating meetings with vendors and users for the purpose of ensuring items purchased and supplier qualifications meet needs; maintaining records for the purpose of providing required documentation and historical information; managing contracts for the purpose of ensuring ongoing availability of goods/services per the contract and adherence to contract terms and conditions; monitoring purchase orders, contracts, bids and budgetary expenditures for the purpose of ensuring accurate allocation of funds, adherence to fiscal regulations and/or expediting delivery; processing work orders and requisitions for supplies, equipment, conference requests, and services for the purposes of acquiring necessary resources to support district operations; researching contracts, suppliers, equipment and regulations, including evaluation of new products for the purpose of ensuring conformity to regulations and budgetary guidelines; resolving conflicts between district personnel and vendors for the purpose of creating a smoothly running operation; reviewing bids for potential commodities, supplies, equipment and services for the purpose of ensuring compliance with district, state, and federal bidding regulations; scheduling equipment repairs as required for the purpose of providing equipment in operating condition according to service contract specifications; assisting other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities; and other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

Positions in this class typically require a two-year college degree minimum (with a related major such as Purchasing, Public or Business Administration) or any equivalent combination of training, education, experience, and/or professional certification. Significant and verifiable experience in a directly related (equivalent) position is highly desirable and can be determined as equivalent to the educational requirement. A minimum of three years of verifiable 'hands-on' professional level experience involving the procurement of equipment, services, and supplies as well as contract administration within a formalized purchasing program; preferably within a 'public procurement' organization.

Licensing Requirements

None required.

Knowledge

Extensive working knowledge of the Arizona Revised Statutes, Arizona Administrative Code, and the Uniform System of Financial Records as they apply to procurement.

Skills

Experienced in the operation of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to: Microsoft Office Products, plus various Financial Management Software packages.

Ability

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with peers; ability to work independently and work toward critical deadlines; ability to analyze problems from a variety of points of view and choose between a number of possible solutions.

Physical Requirements

Positions in this class typically require stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Sedentary work: exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, odors, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.