Procurement/Contract Specialist

Schedule: Full-time

The Ohio Attorney General's Office is currently seeking a Procurement/Contract Specialist for a position in the Finance Section. This position will work a hybrid in-person/remote schedule. There may be changes to this schedule based on training and operational needs. The headquarter location is at 30 E. Broad St Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Under the direction of the Procurement Director, the Procurement/Contract Specialist will assist in the procurement functions of the AGO, which include acquisition planning, formal bidding, contracts management, and administering complex procurement methods that require a high degree of experience and knowledge. The Procurement/Contract Specialist performs a variety of specialized procurement assignments and serves as a subject matter expert and resource to staff in the following ways:

· Serves as a senior technical expert in the procurement of complex goods or services, as well as all types of procurement for the AGO

· Provides exceptional customer service through advice and assistance to AGO personnel involved in the development of statements of work; solicits, evaluates, negotiates, and awards contracts for goods and services utilizing various procurement methods to include, Requests for Proposals (RFP), Requests for Quotes (RFQ), and Quick Quotes (QQ)

· Facilitates the use of DAS cooperative agreements ensuring such use is within applicable laws and policies; performs contract administration, including liaising between suppliers and sections, negotiation of prices and terms and conditions, compliance with contract terms and conditions, compliance with grant requirements, and negotiation of contract amendments, extensions, and change orders

· Reviews requests for purchases submitted by sections to determine the appropriate procurement method; leads acquisition planning meetings with sections to develop strategies for implementing the most effective procurement methods for goods and services to satisfy business needs

· Represents the AGO at pre-proposal conferences; attends evaluation committee meetings, and provides guidance on evaluation of proposals

· Prepares contract documentation, semi-annual vendor performance and procurement contract evaluations to ensure compliance and to identify challenges and solutions; monitors annual service dates for critical renewals to ensure timely submissions

· Prepares and maintains accurate records and electronic documentation on all solicitations, responses, purchases, contracts, correspondence, and related follow-up

· Analyzes current procurement activities and recommends improvements through more efficient procurement methods

· Responds to protests and other vendor complaints orally and in writing

· Serves as the initial level of mediation of disputes regarding the selection of the awarded bidders and issues of vendor performance and prepares appropriate documentation of the conference and rulings within the appeal process procedures

· Analyzes and assists the development, review and implementation of procurement policies, standards and tools to continuously improve AGO responsiveness and efficiency in alignment with purchasing metrics

· Provides procurement guidance and direction to personnel on an as needed basis

· Performs other duties as assigned.

· 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public procurement, with a preference to include experience with OhioBuys or a similar eProcurement platform

· A bachelor's degree in business, public administration, supply chain management, or a related field can substitute for 2 years of experience.

Job Skills: Accounting and Finance, Attention to Detail, Critical Thinking, Verbal and Written Communication