Senior Procurement Specialist

Newport News Public Schools•Newport News, VA

About The Position

The Senior Procurement Specialist is responsible for procuring moderate to highly technical or complex commodities and services, including architectural and engineering services, construction, and related supplies and services for school division departments. The role conducts procurements using RFQs, IFBs, and RFPs in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and school division policies and procedures. The specialist supports compliant, efficient, and cost-effective public procurement through strategic sourcing, solicitation development, proposal and bid evaluation, price and cost analysis, negotiations, contract administration, vendor performance monitoring, and guidance to departments and procurement staff. The position also helps maintain public contracting policies, procedures, and solicitation documents, and prepares reports, correspondence, and substantiated procurement determinations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, or a related field, plus considerable related experience in a governmental purchasing environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Significant professional public-sector experience in contract administration and procurement.
At least 5 years of procurement experience, or an equivalent combination of education, certifications, and experience.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated expertise researching, developing, and writing Service Level Agreements (SLAs), Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs), Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), professional services procurements, and construction procurements.
Considerable knowledge of governmental procurement law and ability to analyze and interpret legislation, policies, procedures, and procurement documents.
Knowledge of and ability to apply governmental purchasing concepts, techniques, and principles, including best-practice control and monitoring techniques, complex contract provisions, basic terms and conditions, and bonding and insurance requirements.
Ability to identify, select, and negotiate with vendors and contractors; make sound purchasing recommendations and decisions; and prepare supporting substantiation and justification.
Experience with and working knowledge of SWaM business programs, the small purchases charge card (Pcard), and the Virginia eProcurement Portal (eVA).
Ability to use microcomputer applications, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
Excellent communication, analytical, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, school division personnel, and the general public.
CPPB, VCO, or similar certification required.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with federal and state procurement law, school division policies and procedures, antitrust law, the Uniform Commercial Code, and other procurement-related laws.
Promote efficient, cost-effective business practices in establishing contracts and ensure compliance with sound business practices.
Establish strategic sourcing plans for assigned commodities.
Improve procurement efficiency through compliance reviews, procurement analysis, and consultation.
Advise departments and schools on solicitation requirements, legal provisions, ethical issues, vendor performance, and contract interpretation and administration.
Develop specifications, special instructions, and requirements for RFQ and IFB solicitations; evaluate quotes and bids; and recommend awards to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Analyze vendor cost and price proposals and construction schedules of values; negotiate change orders; assess CPI/PPI adjustments; and conduct cost, best-value, life-cycle, and lease/purchase analyses.
Mentor and advise procurement staff on sourcing, contracting, contract administration, and contract forecasting.
Develop RFP scopes of work and requirements with departments and schools; establish evaluation methodologies, pricing structures, and negotiation strategies.
Chair RFP evaluation committees, facilitate committee sessions, evaluate proposals, conduct competitive negotiations, recommend awards, and prepare or review contract language.
Conduct pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences and prepare and issue written addenda as needed.
Serve as liaison between the school division, prospective bidders and offerors, and vendors; interview vendors to maintain technical and market knowledge.
Monitor vendor performance and initiate corrective action or contractual default or breach proceedings when appropriate.
Prepare substantiated determinations and findings regarding procurement decisions and actions, as well as reports and formal correspondence.
Recommend and assist with developing and maintaining public contracting policies and procedures, and update solicitation formats to reflect changes in procurement laws, regulations, and policies.
Model nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.