Procurement Specialist (9838)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is seeking a talented Procurement Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

Under the direction of the Sr. Procurement Manager, the Procurement/Contract Specialist is responsible for day-to-day procurement and purchasing activities of the company in compliance with State, Federal and LSF regulations and policies. This includes but is not limited to the comparison and evaluation of products offered to determine if they align with the needs of the organization, and the coordination of all Requests for Quotes, Proposals and Bids. The Procurement/Contract Specialist must abide by federal, state, and grant regulations and maintain high ethical standards at all times in all processes. Additionally, the Procurement Manager will work closely with the company’s General Counsel to provide oversite and monitoring of the company’s subcontract recipients. 

Essential Functions:  

• Performs "up front" work in vendor, supplier and contractor identification, specifications and accompanying documentation for company-wide procurement systems. 
• Ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations and requirements governing non-profit organizations. 
• Working in collaboration with key staff, designs, implements, and maintains a purchasing process that is effective and efficient to all company programs. 
• Directly negotiates with contractors to obtain the best price available. 
• Drafts and solicit Requests for Quotes, Proposals and Bids 
• Reviews submitted bids/quotes for completeness  
• Sends Notice of Awards (when necessary)  
• Initiates vendor setup process  
• Compile and organize all procurement documentation and Purchase Request Forms  
• Obtain all necessary signatures for contracts and leases prior to execution.  
• Ensure that all required paperwork is received and fully executed by the vendor/provider.  
• Ensure all required documentation is uploaded to the organizations Contract Management system. 
• Resolves vendor or contractor grievances and claims against suppliers. 
• Projects future purchasing needs to ensure the demands for the organization are met without 

• interruption, as well as the budgetary needs of the organization. 
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with vendors, the public, and all department heads. 
• Continually reviews, revises, and implements purchasing instructions, policies, and procedures. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Other Functions: 

Note: The duties above are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described above. 

Physical Requirements:  

Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Energy, persistence and stamina sufficient for extended working hours. Some travel may be required. 

Education:  

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Logistics or Supply Chain Management or related field required. 

Experience:   

Minimum three (3) years purchasing, fiscal, procurement or contract experience excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work in a team environment and working knowledge of federal contracts and grants management and federal regulations and reporting requirements governing non-profits. At least two years of experience utilizing purchasing, acquisition or vendor management software to track and monitor purchases and budget. Head Start and/or Early Head Start experience preferred. 

Also required:  Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check and drug screening prior to hiring. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Must possess well-developed management and administrative skills. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 

• In-depth knowledge of purchasing principles and practices. 

• Strong understanding of legal codes and stringent guidelines established by federal and state law 

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with all types of personalities in a team environment. 

• Strong analytical and reasoning ability with numerical skills. 

• Ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. 

• Planning and organizational skills. 

• Ability to establish credibility and be decisive. 

• Ability to maintain high ethical standards at all times. 
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail are required and the candidate must be able to meet designated deadlines. 

Other: Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs. 

Principal Accountabilities: 

• Reports to General Counsel  
• Team player with co-workers, funders, community stakeholders, subcontractors and collaborators 
• Accurate, complete, and timely submission of required reports, forecasts, proposals and analyses 
• Cost effective company operations 
• Adherence to company policies and management practice 

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.  

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.