Procurement Specialist

Los Angeles Community College District • Los Angeles, CA

11d

About The Position

The Procurement Specialist negotiates, prepares, and processes complex contracts, leases, and procurement documents for a wide variety of equipment, materials, supplies, and services for the District. The role purchases goods and services using a computerized purchasing system and ensures compliance with applicable policies, laws, regulations, rules, and limits. It researches economical procurement methods, prepares technical specifications and bidding documents, provides procurement and contract guidance to District staff, interprets relevant codes and policies, and uses specialized software to process documents and produce reports.

The position works with vendors and District users to obtain competitive pricing and delivery terms, assess bids, resolve procurement and contract issues, and ensure vendor performance and compliance with specifications. It also prepares reports and records concerning contracts, leases, purchasing activities, costs, and expenditures; presents information to administrators, staff, committees, and the Board of Trustees; and may train or supervise District employees and lower-level staff.

General supervision is received from the Procurement Manager or Senior Procurement Specialist. Functional supervision may be exercised over lower-level professional, technical, and clerical employees. A valid Class C California driver’s license and travel throughout the District may be required for some positions.

Requirements

• One of the following qualification paths: a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university, preferably in business administration, public administration, economics, law, or a related field, and three years of full-time, paid professional-level experience in contracting and acquisition of equipment, materials, supplies, and services; qualifying additional experience may substitute for education year for year.
• One of the following qualification paths: certification as a Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or equivalent and three years of full-time, paid professional-level experience in contracting and acquisition of equipment, materials, supplies, and services.
• One of the following qualification paths: a master’s degree from a recognized college or university in business administration, public administration, economics, law, or a related field and one year of full-time, paid professional-level experience in contracting and acquisition of equipment, materials, supplies, and services; qualifying additional experience may substitute for education year for year.
• Knowledge of public and private funding, contracting, and procurement practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of District business procedures, processes, and policies concerning contracts and procurement.
• Knowledge of business law and California State Code provisions concerning competitive bidding, contracting, leasing, and procurement.
• Knowledge of legal procedures for obtaining formal and negotiated bids; commodity markets, prices, and sources of supply; negotiation principles; commodity testing organizations; marketing practices; and relevant safety and health factors.
• Knowledge of business and public administration, training principles, and computer systems and applications used in contracting and procurement.
• Ability to purchase goods in accordance with cost, technical specifications, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Ability to negotiate contract terms favorable to the District and consistent with law and District policies.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes and ordinances related to contracting and purchasing.
• Ability to work effectively with District staff, contractors, and vendors; secure cooperation; and work independently on assigned projects.
• Ability to organize work to meet critical deadlines, ensure compliance with bid and contract specifications, and devise practical solutions to problems.
• Ability to present complex technical information and prepare accurate written specifications, correspondence, and reports.
• Ability to maintain accurate, detailed records and effectively use computer equipment and management information systems.
• Ability to learn specialized computer software applications.
• A valid Class C California driver’s license is required for some positions.

Responsibilities

• Purchase materials, supplies, services, and equipment using a computerized purchasing system in compliance with applicable requirements.
• Prepare and negotiate complex contracts and leases for equipment, materials, supplies, and services.
• Research economical procurement methods and make recommendations concerning procurement, lot bidding, and lease-versus-purchase questions.
• Develop technical procurement specifications and bidding documents for formal District bids.
• Advise District staff on developing, preparing, interpreting, and revising technical specifications and contracts.
• Explain procurement, leasing, and contract codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to District staff, other agencies, vendors, and bidders.
• Use specialized software to process procurement documents and produce management information and reports.
• Interview vendor representatives about products, specifications, trade practices, availability, and pricing.
• Locate sources of supply, including in non-local markets when vendor availability is limited.
• Negotiate prices, discounts, and delivery provisions with vendors.
• Review bid specifications and scopes of work before advertising.
• Evaluate bid responses for responsiveness to specifications and terms and conditions.
• Apply vendor performance standards in accordance with District policies and procedures.
• Troubleshoot procurement issues, including substitutions, delivery delays, and price variations.
• Resolve contract interpretation issues and disputes between vendors and District users concerning quality deficiencies.
• Prepare written materials and present oral reports on contracts and procurement.
• Conduct product demonstrations and tests.
• Develop and conduct employee training on contracts and procurement procedures and practices.
• Prepare and review reports on contracts, leasing, and procurement activities for submission to the Board of Trustees.
• Maintain records concerning contracts, leasing, purchasing activities, costs, and expenditures.
• Participate in training District staff on procurement policies, practices, and procedures.
• May supervise lower-level professional, technical, and clerical staff.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans for employees and dependents.
• A $50,000 life insurance policy provided at no charge for each employee.
• Illness leave: 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days for new employees.
• 19 paid holidays per year.
• Annual vacation accrual beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days based on years of service; management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days.
• Other paid time off, including bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena leave, and jury duty.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System.
• Social Security coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

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