Senior Buyer

Houston Community College•Houston, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Buyer works with System Departmental staff to handle formal solicitations and develop, evaluate, and negotiate contracts for a wide range of products and services. Exercises considerable independent judgment and technical expertise in developing contract requirements, contract-specific language, and detailed evaluation criteria for highly complex acquisitions as determined by Supervisor and/or Director. Ensures that all purchases are made in accordance with HCC Policy, Procedures and applicable governing laws.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in Business/Purchasing or any related field
5 years’ experience in purchasing department operations and buying, or procurement management required
MS Office Programs
Information Management Systems
Budget Management
State of Texas Procurement Laws and Regulations
Request for Qualifications/ Proposals
Valid Texas Driver License

Nice To Haves

8 years of directly-related work experience may be considered in lieu of required degree
Experience in purchasing and/or procurement in an educational environment or governmental agency preferred
Certification in any of the following (equivalent or advanced) preferred:oCertified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)oCertified in Supply Management (CSM)oCertified Texas Purchaser (CTP)

Responsibilities

Review client department requests for relevance, and evaluates justification/input documents submitted by client departments to assess appropriate use of processes.
Prepare responses to requests from Supervisor & Administration.
Under the direction of Supervisor and/or Director, provide guidance to System Departments regarding procurement processes, providing technical expertise regarding appropriate procurement method, scopes of services, market research, evaluation criteria and associated weighting, and contract specific language.
Conduct advanced industry and product market research (including issuing Requests for Information) to identify alternative sources of supply.
Prepare solicitations to promote an open, fair, and competitive selection processes.
Handle complex acquisitions and prepares solicitation and award documents, including Summary of Procurements and agenda items as needed.
Serve as a non-voting Chairperson of Evaluation Committees to ensure an effective, transparent, unambiguous, and fair process.
Review requests for non-competitive solicitations (sole sources) and recommends specification changes to eliminate all artificial barriers that may limit or reduce competition.
Participate with Supervisor and/or Director in consultation with General Counsel’s Office regarding legal requirements and contractual issues.
Prepare for and participate with Supervisor/Director in any protest hearings.
Coordinate Small Business participation in accordance with current policy and procedures and participates in Small Business events.
Consult with Risk Management to establish insurance requirements for solicitations as needed.
Prepare responses for public records requests.
Perform contract administration including advising on contractual requirements to contractor and Client Departments.
Consult with Supervisor and/or Director and Client Department to prepare for meetings to resolve contract disputes.
Prepare supplemental agreements, contract modifications and change orders and reports.
Develop, analyze, and negotiate contracts to obtain mutually agreeable terms and conditions, and price.
Responsible for maintaining a bid calendar of current projects and contracts.
Prepare reports at the direction of Supervisor and/or Director.
Attend meetings and functions, including delivering presentations as directed by Supervisor and/or Director.
May provide guidance and represent the Department at meetings in the absence of Supervisor and/or Director.
Provide procurement technical expertise for projects and programs as assigned.