Senior Purchaser

POSITION PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Business Services Director, the Senior Purchaser leads and manages procurement activities for the Purchasing Solutions Alliance (PSA), a cooperative purchasing program of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG), ensuring compliant, cost-effective acquisition of goods and services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Procurement

• Procure goods, services, and professional/technical contracts per federal, state, and local regulations for a cooperative purchasing program.
• Maintain the integrity of the public procurement process. Ensure purchasing practices are consistent, open, and designed to encourage maximum competition and best value procurements.
• Manage full procurement cycle of cooperative contracts: independent cost estimate solicitation development, bid evaluation, award recommendation, and contract development.
• Maintain accurate procurement records.
• Prepare bid specifications and formal solicitation documents.
• Coordinate and supervise activities of evaluation committees; prepare procurement debriefs.

Contract Management & Compliance

• Negotiate contracts and recommend contract awards.
• Draft, review, and administer contracts and amendments.
• Perform a Cost Analysis prior to each contract amendment.
• Determine technical content to be used in the marketing design for each awarded contract.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and procurement policies and procedures
• Maintain procurement documentation for audits.

Policy & Continuous Improvement

• Assist in developing and updating procurement policies, procedures, and templates.
• Implement best practices for strategic sourcing, cost savings, and process efficiency.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to purchasing staff, other agency staff, and vendors regarding state and agency purchasing regulations, policies, and processes.
• Continuously review policies and procedures governing procurement in order to improve upon and standardize the processes

Professional Development

• Participate in a minimum of 24 hours procurement-related training annually.
• Attend one or two purchasing conferences annually, as schedule and budget allows.

Other

• Prepare regularly scheduled and ad hoc reports.
• Participate in procurement-related meetings, bid openings, and vendor debriefings; perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.
• Minimum 5 years progressively responsible public- or private-sector procurement experience; experience with federally funded programs and grants strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal procurement regulations in 2 CFR Part 200, competitive procurement methods, and contract administration.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills; attention to detail.
• Proficiency with electronic procurement systems and Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the region.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification: Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), or other procurement certification preferred.
• Experience managing multiple projects.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Procurement strategy and sourcing
• Public procurement laws, regulations, and compliance
• Contract negotiation and administration
• Vendor and stakeholder management
• Financial analysis and cost evaluation
• Specification and solicitation development
• Audit readiness and documentation management
• Contract law and risk assessment
• Project management and organizational skills
• Research and analytical problem-solving
• Automated procurement systems and office software proficiency
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and procedures
• Attention to detail and accuracy

SUPERVISION:

Reports directly to the Business Services Director through supervisory channels. Ability to work independently and to assume responsibility for completion of complex workload without close supervision.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office-based with periodic travel for conferences or training may be required.
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods and lift/move boxes or materials up to 25 lbs occasionally.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience (range: $65,000–$70,000 DOE).
• Benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid leave, and professional development support.

ADA STATEMENT

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, BVCOG will make reasonable accommodation to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities, if it would not impose an "undue hardship" on the operation of the employer's business.

ETHICS

As a public agency, BVCOG is committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards. Applicants selected for employment are expected to perform work responsibilities with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism, and honesty, to merit the respect of our co-workers, clients, partners, vendors and the general public. Applicants selected for employment are also expected to serve the public with dedication, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.