Procurement Specialist

Obtains materials and/or services from suppliers at the lowest cost consistent with considerations of quality, reliability of source and urgency of need. Studies market trends, research and interviews vendors and recommends sources of supply. Solicits, procures and administers contracts for goods and services, including those related to construction, architecture & engineering services, vehicle procurements, revenue contracts and lease agreements. Prepares and issues solicitation packages including but not limited to Requests for Quotations, Requests for Proposals and Invitations for Bids. Receives and evaluates offers. Negotiates proposals and sole source procurements. Prepares contract documents and purchase orders. Maintains files and records documenting the history of procurements and contract performance. Assists in the preparation of Board action items as required. Complies with SORTA’s policies and procedures, state and federal laws and regulations.

Essential Functions

• Prepare and manage acquisition processes in a timely manner in accordance with SORTA, State of Ohio and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements
• Acquire the highest quality goods and services at reasonable prices, utilizing appropriate procurement methods. Work with project managers to develop and review scopes, specifications, independent cost estimates and sole source justifications for compliance with SORTA, State of Ohio and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements.
• Research potential vendor sources and ensure that the greatest feasible extent of competition is obtained.
• Work with SORTA’s Vendor Diversity and Inclusion team to establish goals for Disadvantaged Business
• Prepare solicitation packages, contracts, purchase orders and related documents, utilizing standard SORTA’s established forms and procedures.
• Conduct pre-bid and pre-proposal meetings as appropriate.
• Respond to potential bidder/proposer questions in writing; amend solicitation documents as appropriate.
• Receive quotes, bids and proposals and conduct evaluations of responsiveness and responsibility.
• Conduct cost and price analyses as required for all procurements. (to determine price reasonableness)?
• Conduct bid tabulations to determine the most advantageous vendor to SORTA
• Chair proposal evaluation teams and ensure that evaluations are conducted in accordance with established SORTA and FTA requirements.
• Receive and evaluate protests and make recommendations for their resolution.
• Conduct interviews and lead negotiations with proposers.
• Prepare detailed procurement memorandums summarizing the procurement process for all solicitations.
• Assist in preparing appropriate award recommendations and documentation.
• Issue contracts, purchase orders and notices to proceed; obtain vendor signatures on contracts and submit for internal execution.
• Effectively utilize SORTA’s automated procurement management systems (OpenGov, Maximo).
• Verify and document actions required for contract close-out.
• Maintain familiarity with changes
• Maintain good communications with internal and external customers.
• Ensure that contract files are complete and compliant with SORTA, State and FTA audit requirements.
• Ensure the Procurement Plan is updated and kept current.
• Participate in preparing for and responding to internal and external audits.
• Participate in the development and implementation of strategies to meet or exceed organizational and department performance goals and objectives.
• Comply with SORTA, State of Ohio and FTA standards of conduct and ethical requirements.
• Seek and utilize opportunities for professional training; participate in meetings of professional associations as available and appropriate.
• Model, facilitate, and encourage exemplary internal and external customer service, open communication, collaboration, participation, and professional development among staff.
• Provide a positive work environment that does not discriminate.
• Work in compliance with SORTA’s safety and security policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
  
  

Position Qualifications

• Communications - Excellent verbal, writing and non-verbal skills. Persuasive, consensus builder.
• Customer Focus - Excellent problem-solving skills and a desire to exceed customer expectations.
• Employee Development - Competent in assessing personal skills and growth requirements; coaches, delegates, and supports employee development. Provides constructive feedback.
• Leadership - Energetic, innovative self-starter, committed to continuous improvement and creative problem-solving. Takes the initiative in improving agency and departmental processes and procedures.
• Professional Integrity - Exhibits and values commitment, leadership, accountability, diversity, honesty, fiscal responsibility, and the ability to maximize resources.
• Proficiency - Able to multi-task, plan and measure results, create and analyze data; excellent computer skills, accuracy and attention to detail, excellent project management skills.
  
  

Education

• Bachelor's Degree (four-year college or university) Experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree
  
  

Experience

• Preferred: Minimum of three to five years of related experience in conducting competitive procurements, preferably involving Federal and State funding.
• Preferred: Experience reading and implementing the requirements of FTA Third Party Contracting guidelines and procurement best practices; Construction contract administration experience is preferred.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Proficiency in MS Office (or similar) suite, including but not limited to Excel, Word, Microsoft Outlook or similar email and calendaring software.
• Familiarity with standard public-sector procurement procedures.
• Excellent organizational skills including scheduling, task management, and timeline management.
  
  

Certificates & Licenses

• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB), or similar certification preferred.
  
  

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors, as deemed appropriate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Metro is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other condition of employment or career development.