Buyer - All Tiers (Procurement Services)

Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners•Tampa, FL

12d

About The Position

Performs administrative duties related to the procurement of commodities and services County wide in a centralized procurement office. Procurement Services is seeking a proactive Buyer who uses independent judgment and advanced data tools to drive successful project outcomes. The ideal candidate is a highly organized professional who balances technical expertise in public sector regulations with strong ethical judgment, computer, writing, and communication skills.

Requirements

Ability to prepare and/or review bid documents and responses for compliance with policies, procedures, conditions, and regulations.
Ability to prepare purchase orders, contracts, and similar documents.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others within and outside own organization.
Ability to use a computer and related software.
Ability to collect, organize and evaluate data in order to develop logical conclusions.
Ability to use considerable initiative, think independently, and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to perform arithmetic calculations rapidly and accurately.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of County procurement policies, practices, procedures, and regulations.
Knowledge of procurement practices such as vendor and source identification, pricing methods and calculations, bid and proposal preparation, contracts, and pricing agreements.
Skill in contract negotiations.
Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and work processes.
Ability to plan, organize and oversee the work of others.
Ability to work effectively with others.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and regulations affecting procurement policies, practices and procedures.
Skill in making presentations to groups.
Associate’s Degree; AND Two (2) years of experience in an office environment
An equivalent combination of education (not less than a high school diploma/GED), training, and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.
Bachelor’s Degree; AND Two (2) years of experience procuring commodities and services
Bachelor’s Degree; AND Three (3) years of experience procuring commodities and services

Responsibilities

Analyze price, financial reports, and other information to determine reasonableness of price.
Assists internal/external customers with the County eProcurement platform.
Assists the organization in discussions with suppliers.
Assists with formulating and drafting bid or purchasing specifications for a wide range of commodities and services.
Builds pricing tables and questionnaires in the County eProcurement platform to ensure successful procurements.
Develops and assembles procurement documents and coordinates any required reviews to ensure consistency and accountability in County procurements.
Facilitates the entire procurement process that results in the acquisition of a variety of commodities and services to fulfill the requirements of County agencies and departments.
Identifies potential vendors, using various sources, to ensure adequate competition.
Initiates or assists more senior staff to evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, and delivery speed.
Manages the County eProcurement platform using designated processes so that the department dashboard depicts an accurate representation of the procurement projects and contract administration.
Monitor, manage, and respond to bidder/proposer questions to be transparent to all vendors.
Performs a comprehensive responsiveness check for each low bidder and all proposers prior to engaging the requesting department for review or evaluation committee review.
Performs a thorough review of department specifications to ensure verbiage is open and nonrestrictive to obtain effective competition.
Provides recommendations and suggestions for contractual compliance.
Prepares award recommendations in compliance with agency policy; and issues purchase orders.
Prepares purchase orders, agreements, contract extensions, change orders, revisions and modifications, and other similar documents.
Provides staff and technical support to higher level staff as necessary or requested.
Provides support to customers for the purpose of identifying and solving potential or actual problems concerning procurement-related matters.
Research product market/services and determine proper procurement method specific to each requested purchase.
Reviews intake requests, requisitions, agreements, purchase orders and reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with agency policies submitted by requesting department and agency employees managing contracts.
Writes professional letters as required for multiple scenarios.
Performs other related duties as required.
Conducts public bid/proposal opening for projects over the formal bid threshold in accordance with established procedures.
Determines the appropriate method of solicitation in accordance with applicable laws and Board policies.
Facilitates various publicly noticed meetings, e.g. evaluation committee, oral presentations, negotiations, bid review committee, contractor performance meetings, between County staff and vendor community.
Identifies issues that require an addendum and prepares and issues addendum to ensure all offers have the same information.
Negotiates with vendors to obtain best prices.
Oversees and leads the Pre-Bid/Proposal Conference to ensure information and instructions comply with applicable Ordinances and policies, and to ensure the clarity of solicitation documents and responses are provided timely to vendor community questions.
Reviews, evaluates, and resolves protests in accordance with established procedures, to ensure bidders/proposers receive due process and are treated fairly and consistently.
When so designated, may assume the authority of, and act on behalf of a more senior staff member.
Consults with department head or designee to determine commodity/service needs and delivery schedules.
May assign, monitor, and review work.
Provides countywide guidance, training, and assistance related to procurement processes.