Procurement Specialist

Golden Empire Transit District • Bakersfield, CA

27d • Onsite

About The Position

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for conducting intermediate-level procurement and contract administration assignments for a wide variety of goods and services in support of the operation of the District. The Procurement Specialist is responsible for sourcing select suppliers, negotiating contracts, monitoring assigned inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with government regulations and organizational policies. The Procurement Specialist in this role will exercise attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and an ability to work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible purchasing and contracting experience, required.
• Knowledge of contract negotiation strategies, contract drafting techniques and requirements, and effectively managing supplier/vendor performance.
• Knowledge of effective research methods to assess trends in the procurement industry.
• Knowledge in developing and overseeing processes for requests for proposals (RFP), requests for quotes (RFQ), request for information (RFI), formal and informal bids, and quotes.
• Knowledge of public transit or heavy-duty fleet maintenance operations and equipment, parts, and tools used in heavy-duty vehicle fleet maintenance.
• Moderate to advanced level proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal contracting laws and regulations pertaining to the solicitation and evaluation of bids/proposals, negotiation, and contracts.
• Knowledge of effective data management and record keeping techniques.
• Requisite reading, mathematical, written, and verbal skills in order to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Knowledge of proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ability to develop technical specifications and draft contracts outlining order requirements and terms of engagement with vendors.
• Ability to identify and engage with potential suppliers and vendors to fulfill procurement requirements.
• Ability to analyze cost/value aspects in potential orders.
• Ability to accurately perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to oversee and manage contracts throughout their lifecycle.
• Ability to efficiently manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability to effectively purchase parts and materials and maintain cost controls as required.
• Ability to research vehicle/equipment parts and interpret price books.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide seamless customer service.
• Ability to be available and work during non-traditional hours such as early mornings, late evenings, holidays, and/or weekends as business needs require.
• Ability to travel to various locations for off-site meetings and events when necessary.
• Ability to speak and hear in communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to lift, drag, or push files, papers, documents, or inventory boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle to pick up parts and supplies at vendors’ facilities or to conduct district business.

Nice To Haves

• Associates degree or 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of college coursework from an accredited college or university in business, public administration, or related field is preferred.
• Bachelors degree may substitute for one-year of required work experience.
• Transit/public agency experience is highly desirable.
• Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) highly desirable.
• A current, valid California Driver’s License with a driving record acceptable to the District.

Responsibilities

• Conducts intermediate-level procurement and contract administration assignments for a wide variety of goods and services.
• Sources select suppliers, negotiates contracts, and monitors assigned inventory levels.
• Ensures compliance with government regulations and organizational policies.
• Performs procurement planning, oversees solicitation processes, and evaluates bids, quotes, and proposals.
• Prepares formal procurement documents for solicitation.
• Obtains bids, proposals, or quotations from vendors, conducts cost comparisons, and makes recommendations.
• Prepares technical reports, correspondences, and other written materials.
• Attends pre-bid meetings and interacts with prospective vendors.
• Prepares addenda and issues them to prospective bidders.
• Generates purchase order documents electronically and maintains formal contract agreement files.
• Maintains ongoing communication with vendors and monitors contract compliance and progress.
• Prepares independent cost estimates for formal procurements.
• Reviews change order requests and conducts cost/price analysis.
• Maintains contract files in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Performs Buyer duties as needed.
• Authorizes purchase orders within established purchasing thresholds.
• Produces memos, correspondence, and reports related to contract processing and execution.
• Negotiates and establishes annual blanket purchase orders, master purchasing agreements, and service agreements.
• Conducts research, evaluates findings independently, and makes informed decisions on procurement matters.
• Resolves discrepancies in invoices, deliveries, and shipments.
• Prepares agenda items for presentation to the Board and makes recommendations for bid awards.
• Reports to work as scheduled; may be required to work occasional evenings/weekends/nights/holidays, as needed.
• Performs other related work duties as required.

Benefits

• The District mandates strict adherence to safety protocols, requiring employees to wear adequately warm clothing, personal safety equipment, and comply with Hazardous Waste/MSDS requirements.
• The District requires employees to wear suitable lightweight clothing and stay hydrated to prevent dehydration.
• The District mandates the use of safety ear protection equipment during such instances.
• Reasonable accommodation for qualified candidates with disabilities will be made on a case-by-case basis.
• All Golden Empire Transit District employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec. 3100-3109).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED