Senior Buyer

The Senior Buyer is responsible for sourcing a wide range of services, goods, supplies, materials, equipment, and construction needs in alignment with organizational objectives. This role requires strong collaboration with team members and stakeholders to manage and prioritize tasks effectively. The Senior Buyer must excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills. A key aspect of the role is the ability to work independently to meet deadlines while contributing to the team's success. The Senior Buyer should also take a proactive approach in continuously improving processes to enhance overall team performance and efficiency.

• Processes purchase requisitions and issues Purchase Orders; verifies available funding and utilized procurement process in compliance with State, local laws, and City procurement regulations.
• Develops and researches specifications, reviews specifications for clarity, accuracy, and necessary related information.
• Develops and manages various solicitation methods (i.e., ITB, RFP, CMAR, RFQ, RFQu, and compliance checklists.
• Solicits, receives, and analyzes competitive solicitation, and informal solicitation processes.
• Develops council recommendation letters for award, and monitors vendor performance and assists the departments in contract management. 
• Conducts solicitation openings, pre-proposal conferences, and other procurement related meetings in accordance with Florida Sunshine law.
• Act as chairperson for selection committees and assist Department in contract negotiations. 
• Researches a variety of sources, documents, etc. to ensure adequacy of specification in terms of clarity, precision, and related criteria.
• Meets and consults with department representatives regarding the preparation for solicitation packages, analysis, evaluation, and award.
• Monitors and updates status of annual contracts listing.
• Researches and obtains Florida State contracts and other Intergovernmental contracts. 
• Review and research of sole source procurement submittals from Departments.
• Advises City departments and Vendor Community on procurement policies and procedures.
• Assists assigned departments with procurement activities.
• Seeks new innovative methods and practices to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Issue purchase orders or contracts as applicable after award approval. 
• Keeps abreast of changes in policies, regulations, state and local laws, and directives to determine the best effect on overall operations.
• Provide training and develops solutions to contractual problems. 
• Develop plans for accomplishment of assigned functions to meet priorities, deadlines and implementation of goals established by management.
• Assist City Departments in monitoring and maintaining assigned annual contracts for various services, goods, supplies, materials, equipment, and construction utilized by the City. 
• Reviews and monitors small dollar procurements and develops possible new supply sources and possible new term contracts.  
• Reviews supplier database and develops possible new supply sources; Handles unique and complex procurements and research assignments.

Knowledge of:

• Procurement Laws and Regulations: Knowledge of state, local, and federal procurement regulations, including Florida Sunshine Law, and City procurement regulations.
• Contract Management: Knowledge of contract development, negotiation, and management processes.
• Vendor Performance and Compliance: Understanding of vendor performance monitoring and contract compliance.
• Sourcing and Supplier Management: Knowledge of sourcing strategies, vendor selection, and supplier relationship management.
• Business methods, market research, and procurement standard practices.
• Various grades and qualities of, goods, supplies, materials, equipment, and construction procurement needed by the City.
• Standard office procedures, practices, and equipment.
• Consultant’s Competitive Negotiations Act (CCNA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations.
• Market Research and Competitive Analysis: Ability to research market trends, analyze competitive bids, and source new supply options.
• Public Procurement Processes: Familiarity with various procurement methods such as ITBs, RFPs, RFQs, and sole source procurement processes.
• Governmental Procurement Systems: Knowledge of Florida State and intergovernmental procurement contracts and their application.

Skilled in:

• Write clear and concise specifications.
• Microsoft Office Suite products to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, to an intermediate degree of proficiency.
• Time management: Organizing and allocating time to plan, execute, and follow-up on and complete tasks. Handle multiple tasks and prioritize workload.
• Attention to Detail: High attention to detail when reviewing specifications, bids, contracts, and vendor performance to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in written form, deliver training, and interact effectively with vendors and department representatives.
• Analytical assessment: Strong analytical skills to assess procurement data, evaluate supplier proposals, and determine the most cost-effective solutions.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
• Exercise discretion and judgment in performing procurement functions.
• Identify issues in procurement processes and develop effective solutions.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, meeting deadlines and maintaining a high level of productivity.
• Learn and effectively utilize the City financial Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System and eSourcing Portal (IonWave).
• Accurately follow and implement detailed written or oral instructions, ensuring tasks are completed in accordance with specified guidelines and requirements while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, vendors, City staff, and the general public.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in business administration, contract management, or procurement or a closely related field. 
• Five (5) years of experience in the procurement of construction and services, goods, materials, and equipment with a government entity
• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class “E” driver’s license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Additional experience is accepted as a minimum requirement in lieu of the postsecondary degree on the following basis: additional four (4) years in lieu of the bachelor’s degree, and additional two (2) years in lieu of an associate degree.