Senior Procurement Specialist (Vacancy)

Definition

The Department of Finance and Management Purchasing Office is seeking an experienced procurement professional who is comfortable with preparing procurement documents, and creating, negotiating, and managing contracts. An ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, be able to multitask and balance several projects simultaneously, appreciate and practice attention to detail, have effective and clear communication skills, and be comfortable with reviewing procurement actions and processes for compliance with code provisions in order to spot issues, make resolutions, and appropriately report issues to management.

Under direction, is responsible for managing the procurement cycle within an assigned commodity or specialized area within the Purchasing Office for an individual agency or on a Citywide basis; performs related duties as required.

Examples of Work

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the work performed.)

Defines Purchasing Office goals and objectives; develops strategies to measure and monitor the achievement of each, including accompanying technology and automation; implements standard Citywide procurement policies and procedures;

Reviews and approves procurements on behalf of the Finance and Management Director in relation to the City’s compliance with procurement policies, and Columbus City Code requirements including Chapter 329 and Title 39;

Facilitates and coordinates the work efforts of various personnel to resolve discrepancies concerning materials and methods used by contractors to satisfy City needs;

Conducts supplier protest protocol and contract administration investigations into performance, activities, incidents, and complaints regarding agency personnel treatment of bidders and contractors; maintains liaison and consults with the City Attorney’s Office and City management on legal matters related to bids and contracts;

Conducts contract management activities including preparing contract documentation, negotiation of terms and conditions, managing pricing, and resolving issues and extensions;

Designs and manages programs to encourage businesses to compete for City business; including outreach activities such as early supplier involvement meetings, pre bid meetings, technical assistance, prompt payment, and contract resolution programs;

Provides professional consulting services to City agency personnel regarding specification development, bid solicitation, sales solicitations, and contract development and administration in accordance with various and specialized procurement guidelines associated with expending capital, grant, internal service, or enterprise funds;

Provides procurement education and automated system training to City agency personnel; develops and/or updates internal and Citywide procedural or operating manuals outlining established methods of performing work in accordance with procurement policies;

Coordinates personnel and resources to satisfy a Citywide or City agency need within a large commodity or service area including budgeting and supervisory responsibilities; trains and/or mentors Purchasing Office staff; participates in employee interviews and performance reviews;

Keeps the Procurement Manager and the City management informed on a timely basis of all situations that could affect the delivery of public service to citizens;

Collaborates with procurement and fiscal professionals to provide mutually effective solutions to common challenges;

Prepares reports and information, as required, for the fiscal management of the Purchasing Office;

May supervise Purchasing Office staff and provide input for performance evaluations.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a bachelor’s degree AND three (3) years of experience in finance, budgeting, supply chain management, procurement, or purchasing. Substitution(s): Possession of valid certification as a Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD) from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), or as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), or as a Certified Procurement Professional from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) may substitute for the bachelor’s degree. Additional experience as listed above may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. A master’s degree in one (1) of the administrative sciences may substitute for one (1) years of the required experience.

Test/Job Contact Information

Recruitment #: 25-0775-V1

Employment Type: Full-Time (Regular)

Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact:

Lynnda Hickey

Department of Finance and Management

City Hall, 90 W Broad St, Suite 101

Columbus, Ohio 43215

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The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer