Senior Contracting & Purchasing Specialist

Senior Contracting & Purchasing Specialist

The Senior Contracting & Purchasing Specialist serves as project lead for assigned, complex projects; schedules and manages the monthly Requisition Center training, and provides mentorship and guidance to the Contracting and Purchasing Specialists staff. This position is responsible for the contracting and purchasing of goods and services, to include non-standard and complex contract actions in support of SAWS through Competitive Bids ("low bids"), Request for Quotes (RFQ), Best Value Bids (BVB) and Request for Proposals (RFP). The position is responsible for solicitation development and review, contract negotiation, award document preparation, award recommendations, and post-award contract management. The position reviews and recommends a variety of bid proposals for Board approval within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.

Leads Contract & Purchasing Specialists by providing guidance, and mentoring.

• Develops procurement strategies and serves as business advisor to customer throughout the procurement life cycle.
• Creates, develops, researches and collaborates with customer on bid requirements and / or specifications.
• Performs market research and cost analysis of prices, discount rates, delivery dates, transportation charges and previous performance.
• Prepares solicitation, document review, solicitation posting on third-party electronic bidding website, solicitation communications, and receiving of bids and proposals.
• Schedules, coordinates and presents at pre-bid meetings.
• Schedules, coordinates and facilitates technical evaluator committee consensus discussions.
• Attends selection committee meetings and vendor interviews.
• Conducts bid openings, modifies, and verifies bid tabulations.
• Negotiates contract terms and conditions; determines which contracts will be extended or bid.
• Creates, compiles, and writes contracts resulting from the bidding and negotiating process.
• Prepares Board Items for Purchasing Consent Agenda.
• Provides assistance to internal and external customers.
• Prepares and processes the necessary documents required for proper execution of change orders.
• Applies and interprets contracting principles, practices, theories, laws, procedures, and terminology, including Texas State Statutes Local Government Code Chapters 252, 271 and 791.
• Utilizes SAWS' third-party electronic bidding website for posting and updating specified solicitations, award, and related information.
• Utilizes SAWS' financial software to manage contracts and contract executions.
• Enforces compliance of contract terms to include coordinating and mediating SAWS / vendor relationships; resolves problems concerning obligations of the parties, explains contract terms; and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations and Board policies and procedures.
• Supports the Small Business Opportunities Program.
• Trains and advises SAWS employees on purchasing software and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The Senior Contracting and Purchasing Specialist works with limited supervision. Responsible for contracts totaling over $25,000,000.

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Six years' progressive purchasing experience, to include preparing solicitations, contract awards and / or change orders.

Certification as a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM). Knowledge and understanding of basic accounting and cost analysis. Proficient PC skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and automated purchasing systems. Ability to maintain regular contact with Directors, Managers, internal and external customers, vendors and manufacturing representatives to develop specifications, solicitations, and contract requirements. Ability to maintain effective working relationships and public relations. Frequently contacts and collaborates with internal and external customers, vendors, and the general public. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Subject to standing and sitting for long periods of time to perform job scope. Works primarily in an office environment with occasional field visits. May be required to work hours other than normal working hours, such as evening and weekends.