Buyer (Procurement & Contracts)

Orlando Utilities Commission•Orlando, FL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

OUC - The Reliable One is seeking an experienced, analytical procurement professional with a strong background in public-sector purchasing to join its Financial & Support Services division. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience managing competitive solicitations from start to finish, along with strong contract negotiation, critical-thinking, and relationship-building skills. This role requires an understanding of government procurement regulations and comfort navigating procurement laws, policies, and procedures while collaborating with internal stakeholders and suppliers. The position 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 statues, industry regulations and company policies and procedures.
Keep current on public procurement best practices and trends.
Continuous learning in Purchasing laws, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Contract Administration, and Negotiations.
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.

Nice To Haves

Industry standard certifications such as CPPB, CPSM, CPP (preferred).

Responsibilities

Receive, review, and understand specifications related to moderately complex procurement requests; evaluate responses from suppliers and make recommendations to management; notify suppliers of award and complete the contract(s).
Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers for purchasing supplies, equipment, materials, and services that are moderate in size, scope, risk and cost.
Serve as the subject matter expert in the notification systems (e.g. Vendorlink) and utilize appropriate financial and sourcing systems for tracking and managing contracts and purchases.
Create and process contracts, extensions and amendments; review contracts and purchase orders for items that are moderate in cost and complexity; research and update delivery timelines for materials to support end-users with project planning.
Create Purchase Orders (PO) from order requisitions; review and manage order requisition report to area business unit; issue PO to suppliers for acknowledgement; process change orders and administrative changes.
Review market research and supplier information for most cost-effective and competitive pricing for materials and services; Create evaluation criteria matrix, analyze commercial offers and make recommendations.
Identify new business opportunities consistent with business short and long-term strategies.
Manage purchasing activities for materials and services, both indirect and direct that have moderate levels of risk.
Collaborate with end users to plan projects, establish goals/requirements, best project approach, assess risks, develop strategies, establish terms and schedule material and service needs.
Utilize a variety of reports to track the status of purchasing activities and outcomes.
Maintain vendor and supplier databases and logs, collect historical data, and identify trends in supplier costing and performance.
Coordinate and lead the evaluation committee meetings; prepare documents, spreadsheets and correspondence to provide feedback on best practices and evaluation decisions.
Perform other duties as assigned.