Procurement Specialist

Job Title

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team in a full-time role, working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Under general supervision, this position plays a key role in supporting departmental operations by assisting in the development of specifications and formal bids, while performing related duties as assigned.

In alignment with our city's core values, we are looking for someone who demonstrates accountability through accuracy and reliability, empowerment by collaborating and supporting team members, innovation by contributing ideas that improve processes, and ownership by taking initiative and pride in their work.

This position reports to the Procurement Manager, who provides ongoing guidance and regular performance evaluations to support professional growth and success.

If you are a proactive team player committed to excellence in public service, we encourage you to apply and be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Prepares documentation for procurement processes, including request for quotes, bid schedules, contracts, and renewal options. Facilitates the posting of sole source documents and aids in the creation of specifications. Conducts meetings and provides support during bid openings and bid tabulations.
• Acquires written and verbal quotations for the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment and other purchases for all City departments.
• Performs standard purchasing tasks in accordance with widely accepted procurement principles, established procedures, departmental protocols, and relevant regulatory standards.
• Oversees, evaluates, and handles departmental requisitions and specifications, ensuring precision and adherence to established policies and procedures. Investigates and resolves any outstanding issues related to purchase orders, invoices, or inquiries from vendors, employees, or other stakeholders. Engages with users across various departments to ascertain requirements for commodities, materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Researches product availability, to identify costs, vendor alternatives, product compliance with City needs and specifications, costs of delivery, and related information pertinent to the direct cost of comparative purchasing using telephone and/or internet.
• Communicates with vendors and departments on product specifications, pricing and availability.
• Performs various administrative support duties relative to Procurement, e.g., filing materials, copying documentation and entering data into computer system.
• Prepares correspondence, memos, reports, agenda items and other documents relative to assigned function.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Associates degree in business with major course work in procurement, or closely related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Two years of relevant work experience with one year of related experience in the Public Sector preferred.

Certification as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) by NIGP (preferred).

Must possess and maintain a valid state Florida Driver's License with an acceptable driving history.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands 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. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Mathematics:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Language Ability:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Reasoning:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Cloud is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in all of its employment practices based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran or family status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws. The City participates in employment eligibility verifications through E-verify. Veteran's preference is given in accordance with Florida Law.