P26/27 Assistant Director Of Procurement (Finance)

Arlington Public Schools • Arlington, VA

42d • Onsite

About The Position

Human Resources announces an opening for a 1.0 FTE position as the Assistant Director of Procurement. This is a twelve-month, full-time, in-person, Grade P-11 position. This position requires a three year probation period based on supervisory responsibilities. The incumbent reports to the Director of Procurement. The Assistant Director of Procurement is a professional position in a very busy, fast paced Procurement Office. The position is responsible for providing assistance to the Director of Procurement/Procurement Agent in administering Arlington Public Schools’ procurement program and developing improvements in the program. The Assistant Director provides assistance in legal matters regarding awards of bids, contract administration, calculation of liquidated damages, and protests of awards by bidders or others. The Assistant Director responds to inquiries and complaints, analyzes market trends to obtain the highest quality and best prices available. The Assistant Director assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Director of Procurement during absences. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Procurement. Supervision is exercised over four Procurement Office employees; two Senior Procurement Specialists, a Procurement Specialist, and a Procurement Technician.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of established, recognized procurement practices, procedures, methods, and strategies.
• Thorough knowledge of formal competitive bidding procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of the legal requirements associated with formal competitive bidding.
• Considerable knowledge of the structure and organization of a school system.
• Skill in performing technical research and preparing detailed reports, documents, and specifications.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating detailed proposals and information and recommending an appropriate course of action.
• Skill in recognizing and defining procurement and contracting problems and initiating appropriate action.
• Skill in communicating effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment and sound reasoning ability in the evaluation of alternative proposals and bids.
• Ability to maintain detailed records and information and prepare evaluative reports.
• Ability to establish and supervise an effective contract administration system to ensure contract compliance by vendors with the specifications, terms, and conditions of the contract.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, school personnel, outside contractors and vendors, county purchasing staff, attorneys, and the general public.
• Experience of supervising staff is required. To include: setting, monitoring and evaluating objectives, developing training plans.
• Knowing and understanding of the terms and conditions of ITBs, RFPs and contracts is required.

Nice To Haves

• A minimum of five (5) years experience, reflecting progressive responsibilities, in public procurement in Virginia is preferred.
• Certification by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or Certified Professional in Supply Management(CPSM) are preferred.
• Working knowledge of Virginia Public Procurement Act is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for awarding contracts for goods, services (both professional and non-professional), construction, and insurance on behalf of all Arlington Public Schools schools and departments.
• Administers Arlington Public Schools’ procurement program and develops improvements.
• Investigates and determines the most efficient, reliable vendors for the purchase of materials, supplies, and services.
• Conducts interviews and establishes ongoing relationships with vendors; responds to vendor inquiries and/or problems.
• Participates in cooperative purchases with federal, state, and local governments.
• Participates in and conducts a variety of activities and meetings concerning purchasing.
• Ensures proper administration and adherence to established procurement rules, regulations, and laws.
• Investigates and reports to the Director of Procurement, complaints, improper purchasing procedures, protests of awards relating to bidding or award irregularities, restrictive specifications and/or contractors’ failures to receive solicitations.
• Prepares requests for proposal and bid specifications; reviews and analyzes bids for completeness; evaluates and recommend enhancements to the automated purchasing system; identifies areas for improvements.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• A bachelor’s degree in business or public administration including course work in purchasing plus considerable experience as a buyer or similar position; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skill, and ability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager