Senior Lead, Buyer - Procurement

HCC • Houston, TX

10h • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Buyer, Lead is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the procurement process through the coordination and monitoring of purchasing and contract management activities for HCC. Oversees the daily activities of the processing of purchase requisitions and purchase orders, as well as, drafting and reviewing of solicitations, while adhering to the Board of Trustee policies, applicable laws and regulations. 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Purchasing or related field required
• 8 years directly related experience may be considered in lieu of required degree
• 5 years combined experience in purchasing department operations or procurement management, and legal aspects of procurement and contract law required
• Experience in a public procurement and contracting, educational or governmental agency environment preferred
• Valid Texas Driver License
• Certification in any of the following (equivalent or advance) required; applicants who are not currently Certified, will be considered provided they agree to obtain the Certification within eighteen (18) months of employment (as a condition of their continued employment): Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified in Supply Management (CSM), or Certified Texas Purchase (CTP)
• MS Office Programs
• Information Management Systems
• Project Management
• Procurement-related State of Texas laws and regulations
• Request for Proposals/Qualifications
• Negotiation and Resolution

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the daily activities of the sourcing staff; assists the Supervisor and/or Director with planning initiatives, generating reports, and preparing agenda items for approval by the Board of Trustees.
• Prepares responses to requests from Supervisor & Administration.
• Provide guidance and assist internal and external customers by interpreting laws, policies, codes, and regulations pertaining to purchasing, provide technical expertise regarding appropriate procurement method, scopes of services, market research, evaluation criteria and associated weighting, and contract specific language.
• Review and assist staff in preparing solicitations for all goods and services, to include writing bid specifications, evaluation criteria, and scopes of service/work for complex, technical, or unique projects.
• Issue bids (IFB), requests for proposals/qualifications (RFP/RFQ) and selection of best source consistent with cost, quality and delivery requirements.
• Negotiate and manage long-term pricing agreements on critical commodities or services.
• Conducts advanced industry and product market research (including issuing Requests for Information) to identify alternative sources of supply.
• Maintain knowledge of current and new developments in purchasing and contract negotiation/administration including laws, regulations, theories, best practices, and technology to implement sound business practices.
• Perform contract administration including advising on contractual requirements to contractor and Client Departments.
• Under the direction of the Supervisor and/or Director, facilitates quality control by maintaining templates for solicitations and by ensuring fair and open competition.
• Prepare supplemental agreements, contract modifications and change orders and reports.
• Prepare and lead negotiation strategies to obtain the best pricing, terms and conditions, and payment terms.
• Handle complex acquisitions and prepare solicitation and award documents, including Summary of Procurements and agenda items as needed.
• Review staff workload and make necessary changes to expedite the procurement process.
• Serve as a backup to Supervisor and/or Director
• 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, protest hearings and contractual issues.
• 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.
• Responsible for maintaining a bid calendar of current projects and contracts.
• May provide guidance; attend meetings and functions, including delivering presentations as directed or in absence of Supervisor and/or Director.
• Perform other duties, tasks and assignments as required.

What This Job Offers

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