Buyer (Procurement & Contracts Agent)

Orlando Utilities Commission•Orlando, FL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

OUC - The Reliable One is seeking a Buyer (Procurement & Contracts Agent) to join the Financial & Support Services division. This role is for an experienced, analytical procurement professional with a strong background in public-sector purchasing. The ideal candidate will manage competitive solicitations from start to finish, possess strong contract negotiation, critical-thinking, and relationship-building skills, and understand the structured and regulated nature of government procurement. The role involves managing moderately complex procurement activities throughout the full sourcing lifecycle, including developing and issuing solicitations, evaluating supplier responses, negotiating pricing and terms, drafting and administering contracts, and issuing purchase orders. Responsibilities include analyzing commercial offers, conducting market and supplier research, collaborating with business partners to define requirements and assess risk, and identifying cost-effective sourcing solutions while ensuring compliance. This is a hands-on role combining strategic sourcing, contract development, negotiation, analysis, and supplier relationship management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Accounting, Engineering, or related area of study from an accredited college or university (required).
In lieu of a degree, equivalent combination of education, industry standard certifications (CPPB, CPSM, CPP) or experience may be substitutable on a 1:1 basis.
Minimum three (3) years of experience working in Purchasing, Supply Chain or directly related field (required).
Working knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems.
Working knowledge of Purchasing practices.
Working knowledge of Contract basics.
Working knowledge of Financial acumen as it relates to price and cost analytics.
Working knowledge of Applicable statutes, industry regulations and company policies and procedures.
Ability to make quality decisions that keep the project moving forward while maintaining safety and integrity.
Ability to research and evaluate product specification, quality and performance.
Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
Effective negotiation skills.
Ability to build effective professional relationships with both internal and external customers.
Ability to collect statistics to perform basic cost and price calculations.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and standard office equipment (telephone, computer, copier, etc.).
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
This organization does not offer or sponsor employment visas for internship or full-time positions.

Nice To Haves

Industry standard certifications such as CPPB, CPSM, CPP (preferred).
Keep current on public procurement best practices and trends.
Continuous learning in Purchasing laws.
Continuous learning in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Continuous learning in Contract Administration.
Continuous learning in Negotiations.
Apply working knowledge of Florida Statutes.

Responsibilities

Procures supplies, equipment, materials and services in the most cost-effective manner.
Administers moderately complex purchasing processes in accordance with OUC policies and procedures.
Acts as a liaison between internal and external customers, such as suppliers and internal departments.
Negotiates pricing, contracts and builds strong professional relationships with both internal and external customers.
Receives, reviews, and understands specifications related to moderately complex procurement requests; evaluates responses from suppliers and makes recommendations to management; notifies suppliers of award and completes the contract(s).
Collaborates with internal teams and external suppliers for purchasing supplies, equipment, materials, and services that are moderate in size, scope, risk and cost.
Serves as the subject matter expert in the notification systems (e.g. Vendorlink) and utilizes appropriate financial and sourcing systems for tracking and managing contracts and purchases.
Creates and processes contracts, extensions and amendments; reviews contracts and purchase orders for items that are moderate in cost and complexity; researches and updates delivery timelines for materials to support end-users with project planning.
Creates Purchase Orders (PO) from order requisitions; reviews and manages order requisition report to area business unit; issues PO to suppliers for acknowledgement; processes change orders and administrative changes.
Reviews market research and supplier information for most cost-effective and competitive pricing for materials and services.
Creates evaluation criteria matrix, analyzes commercial offers and makes recommendations.
Identifies new business opportunities consistent with business short and long-term strategies.
Manages purchasing activities for materials and services, both indirect and direct that have moderate levels of risk.
Collaborates with end users to plan projects, establish goals/requirements, best project approach, assess risks, develop strategies, establish terms and schedule material and service needs.
Utilizes a variety of reports to track the status of purchasing activities and outcomes.
Maintains vendor and supplier databases and logs, collects historical data, and identifies trends in supplier costing and performance.
Coordinates and leads the evaluation committee meetings; prepares documents, spreadsheets and correspondence to provide feedback on best practices and evaluation decisions.
Performs other duties as assigned.