Sr. Purchasing Agent

BCPS•Towson, MD

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Administers the procurement functions of the school system, which includes formal bidding and highly technical and complex procurement methods that require a high degree of experience, knowledge, professionalism, and administration. The work involves collaboration with school administrators and other office/division heads. The position provides guidance and assistance to the purchasing staff. Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.
Six years of professional experience in purchasing or a directly related field.
Considerable knowledge of procurement policies, procedures, state and local regulations, writing specifications, issuing/analyzing bids, designing and reviewing contracts, mediating disputes in the best interest of the school system.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities to define market trends, to evaluate large-scale or unique procurement events for diversified commodities and services, to understand the range of brands, grades, qualities and supply sources.
Skill and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals at many levels within and outside the school system, and to serve as a trainer for procurement related issues.
Skill and ability to supervise assigned staff.
Skill and ability to organize, plan, and execute work with minimal supervision.
Knowledge, skills and abilities to evaluate purchasing reports and to utilize data in decision-making and procedure development.
Ability to operate a personal computer, (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, and other software as needed.)
Working skill with eProcurement systems and automated purchasing systems.
Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

Nice To Haves

Possession of professional certification from a recognized purchasing organization is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepares, designs, evaluates and issues bid specifications; conducts pre-bid meetings and bid openings; and confers with school administrators and office heads to prepare contract documents for designated specifications by evaluating purchasing strategies and investigating emerging products and services; and develops sources of supply.
Conducts appropriate specification research to support construction products, commodities or services for product specifications, performance standards, contract requirements, and funding sources.
Develops programs and procedures for the control of funds through purchases with an emphasis on economies of scale, standardization, simplification and adequate control systems.
Researches new materials and equipment and evaluates their potential usefulness in the school system.
Identifies sources of supply for materials and equipment; promotes standardization of purchases.
Ensures purchases are made within authorized limits and conditions.
Coordinates and supervises activities of evaluation committees.
Recommends lowest responsive responsible bidder on Invitation for Bid’s (IFB), most advantageous office of Request for Proposal’s (RFP).
Coordinates the preparation of the exhibit of contract recommendations and statistical data of supplier participation for the monthly meeting of the Board of Education.
Administers contracts and price agreements for services and supplies by preparing contracts and managing contract terms and spending against authorized contract amounts.
Ensures compliance with contract terms and conditions, negotiates contract amendments, extensions, and change orders.
Analyzes cost and price data from suppliers.
Performs contract audits as necessary.
Advises and consults with responsible departments when contract terms near expiration and/or spending authorization nears maximum authorized.
Serves as the initial level of mediation in disputes regarding the selection of award bidders and issues of supplier performance and prepares appropriate documentation of the conferences and rulings within the appeal process procedures.
Coordinates the regular evaluation process documenting approved texts, supplies, and equipment for instructional and operational activities for the schools.
Represents office leadership at meetings as designated.
Oversees the daily review, approval, posting and execution of purchase order documents for the timely procurement of equipment, supplies, textbooks and services.
Maintains the integrity of the public procurement process.
Chairs and/or attends staff, client, school administration meetings, as well as committees involving other school districts or group procurement efforts.
Assists office heads and school administrators with procurement issues.
Researches and implements improvements to the procurement process, (e.g., electronic purchasing, web sites, software).
Attends trade association meetings and seminars and is an active member of related professional associations.
Communicates and interprets purchasing policies and procedures to all personnel.