Senior Buyer

Responsibilities

• Conducts the full life cycle of competitive sealed proposals for systemwide contracts.
• Conducts pre‑bid/pre‑proposal conferences and evaluations.
• Performs sourcing activities and collaborates with institutional stakeholders.
• Evaluates new sources, methods, and suppliers to ensure a consistent, reliable, and cost‑effective supply of goods and services.
• Conducts price and cost analysis to support award recommendations and negotiation strategies.
• Engages in continuous improvement of sourcing processes.
• Processes and manages complex procurement requests.
• Verifies completeness, accuracy, and consistency of procurement documentation.
• Responds to complex inquiries regarding procurement policies and procedures.
• Oversees the lifecycle of systemwide contracts and conducts assessments and negotiations.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible public procurement experience, including participation in and execution of the full life cycle of competitive sealed proposal procurements.
• Extensive knowledge and demonstrated ability to independently lead multi‑million‑dollar, highly complex source‑to‑contract procurements—primarily competitive sealed proposals (RFPs)—in collaboration with institutional stakeholders.
• Complex knowledge of procurement or related business procedures which includes complicated technical routines and basic mathematics skills, including ratios, percentages, and business computations.
• Strong understanding of legal and contracting environments, and direct experience involving negotiation and contracts.
• Skill in modern office practices, procedures, systems, and related office software to complete assigned work, while organizing and executing multiple assignments under tight time constraints.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to prepare written records and reports; to understand and interpret procurement policies and procedures; to provide guidance and training to others; to maintain service‑quality professionalism under pressure; to address confidential matters with discretion; and to ensure compliance with USM Office policy and guiding principles.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to address issues and propose creative solutions.
• Effective time management skills and ability to meet deadlines, targets, and metrics.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM or C.P.M.), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) preferred qualifications.

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO)
• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)
• Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM)