Do you thrive in an environment that is geared towards outstanding hospitality? Do you have a passion for being innovative and creative? Is hard work on your top list of ideals? Are you a steward of your working environment? Then read on...
The Villages Community Development Districts (The District) tops the list of community development districts that continue to grow in one of the most scenic locations in Florida, The Villages. Our collective commitment to hospitality, innovation & creativity, hard work, and stewardship helps employees thrive and excel in many fields within The District. An immediate full-time opportunity exists for an individual with commitment, a "passion" for excellence, and a "drive" for accuracy to join our Purchasing Team. This position requires a solid background of advanced purchasing skills used daily. The incumbent will enjoy a challenging atmosphere and be part of a productive team that supports all departments within The District and our surrounding community. The District is looking for an individual with a desire to utilize their cutting-edge management skills. The District provides a supportive and engaging workplace that is committed to developing great talent, coupled with competitive compensation and benefits. Do not pass up this opportunity to be a part of a positive, expanding organization.
Competitive Benefits as a full-time employee of the District include :
- Medical Insurance (fully paid for employee single coverage)
- Voluntary health benefits, including Dental and Vision Insurance
- 401(a) Retirement Plan, with contributions funded by the District
- 457(b) Retirement Plan, permitting employee pre-tax deferrals
- Flexible Spending programs for both Medical and Dependent Care
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible
- Tier 2 qualifying organization for The Villages Charter School
JOB SUMMARY
The Buyer is a member of the Purchasing team and reports directly to the Purchasing Manager. The Buyer is responsible for a variety of strategic initiatives and ensuring compliance with public procurement policies. This position purchases the goods, materials and services of all District Departments to ensure that the District's operational needs are met, taking into account price, quality and delivery and to ensure continuity of supply. The Buyer is responsible for operations concerned with Solicitations of contractual services in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Includes, but not limited to)
Solicitation of Goods and Services / Vendors
Work involves the responsibilities of assigned solicitations including the review of Solicitation Requests, preparation of solicitation documents, analysis of solicitations, and execution of all aspects of the competitive solicitation process for Invitation to Bids (ITB), Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), Invitations to Quote (ITQ), Piggybacks and Sole Source justifications as requested by End Using Departments.Assists in locating and identifying items and services being sought, contacting vendors and developing sources of supply and / or services, using the appropriate methods to prepare a formal solicitation.Identifies varied sources of commodities and services, evaluates bids, awards contracts and quotes, develops standards for new products or services.Executes Formal Solicitations for commodities or services using automated web-based procurement systems.Conducts the Solicitation process from pre-solicitation development through Notice to Proceed.Prepares and issues public notices, bid packets, newspaper advertisements, reference checks, public record requests and other related correspondences.Formulates written reports, addendums, amendments, memoranda, award recommendations, agenda items with all accompanying documentation, and other related report writing under time restraints.Facilitates public meetings such as bid openings and selection committee meetings.Reviews vendor compliance to requirements, performs pricing analysis and makes recommendation of awards that result in the best value for the District.Acts as liaison between Vendors and District personnel to facilitate product and pricing information.Provides purchasing information to departments, elected officials and others as requested.Organizes, tracks, and updates documents in Department Drives, such as but not limited to; Piggyback and District Solicited Agreements, renewals, amendments and approved Sole Source / Standardizations.Reviews respondents' submittal packets to determine most responsive and responsible.Schedules and facilitates Selection Committee Meetings and Bid Openings as well as pre-solicitation, on-site pre-bid and pre-construction meetings.Proactively contributes to the overall success of the Purchasing Department by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Purchasing Director and Purchasing Manager.General
Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed through conferences, reports, observation, and evaluation of programs and accomplishment of assigned objectives.Assists and supports the Purchasing Director and Purchasing Manager with Purchasing Department correspondence, scheduling and various administrative tasks.Provides excellent customer service to members of the public and other District employees.Assists in greeting and interacting with walk-ins. Answers and assists with incoming calls.Additional
Performs other duties as assigned.May be expected to perform additional duties in an emergency.ESSENTIAL EXPECTATIONS OF PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOR (Includes, but not limited to)
Cultivates and maintains effective working relations within the department, the District, as well as outside of the organization.Models behavior to the District Core Values at all times.Fosters a teamwork environment.MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (Includes, but not limited to)
Associate degree in business, public administration, accounting or related discipline from an accredited institution or related public procurement experience required or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.3-5 years Florida municipal, county & / or state purchasing department / contracts experience preferred.MINIMUM CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid Florida Driver's License required.All candidates and employees must successfully pass background screening.MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Includes, but not limited to)
Knowledge
Knowledge of governmental purchasing methods and procedures as well as the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the purchase of commodities and services and their importance to the District.Has general knowledge of the policies, procedures, terminology used and activities of the Purchasing Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Buyer, including a good working knowledge of purchasing regulations, ordinances, purchase orders, requisitions, bids, proposals, etc., and procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.Skills
Intermediate to strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills. General knowledge in the use of pivot tables.Strong time management and organization skills as well as the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks are pivotal to success in this position.Employs advanced critical thinking and writing skills in the development and evaluation of solicitations.Abilities
Proven ability to plan, organize and / or prioritize daily assignments and work activities using independent judgment in a varied and busy work environment to successfully and efficiently meet required deadlines.Ability to compile, prepare and maintain an assortment of records and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and / or governmental regulations to make recommendations that result in complete and accurate reports.Ability to successfully interact and communicate with supervisors and other staff members, as well as with vendors to include courtesy, tact and diplomacy as needed to provide / gather information, assign and follow up on work duties, and establish effective relationships.Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, and attending training and / or courses as directed by the Purchasing Manager.Displaying responsibility, ownership, a sense of urgency for all issues regarding the purchasing operating procedures.Strong oral, written, and interpersonal and presentation skills to effectively communicate purchasing policies and provides training and assistance to all levels of District personnel concerning Florida state statutes, regulations, and procedures for the public procurement of commodities and services.Ability to use good judgment in formulating recommendations and preparation of independent analysis.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and detail minded.Ability to work collaboratively as a team across internal departments and external vendors and clients to meet and exceed expectations.Professional appearance.Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations.Has the ability to understand and interpret specifications and drawings.EQUIPMENT
Position regularly requires the use of office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers and productivity software, copier, printers, scanners, and fax machine.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Includes, but not limited to)
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee will be exposed to the following :
Interior office environments, with moderate to loud noise typical for the work environment i.e., when in office setting with moderate noise of computers and printers and moderate customer traffic.Varying outdoor weather conditions.Physical Requirements
The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the following applies :
Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.Occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
