Buyer, Business

Procure goods, materials and/or services from suppliers at the lowest cost consistent with considerations of quality, , cost effectiveness and timely delivery. Conduct market analysis, perform vendor outreach, interview vendors, and recommend sources of supply. Issue solicitations, analyze quotations received, select or recommend suppliers and deliveries. Prepare purchase documentation, including purchase orders and contract documents and expedite delivery. Develop and maintain necessary records and files in accordance with requirements.

• Prepare and manage acquisition processes (generally under $250,000) in accordance with SORTA, State of Ohio and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements, utilizing appropriate solicitation methods, including Sole Source, Requests for Quotations, Invitations for Bids, and Requests for Proposals.
• Acquire the highest quality goods and services at reasonable prices.
• Review scopes, specifications and independent cost estimates for compliance with SORTA, State of Ohio and FTA requirements. Verify justification for non-competitive procurements.
• Research potential vendor sources and ensure that the greatest feasible extent of competition is obtained.
• Prepare solicitation packages, contracts, purchase orders and related documents, utilizing standard SORTA forms and procedures and e-Procurement software.
• 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.
• 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 award documents, obtain vendor and SORTA contract signatures
• Participate in negotiating and resolving contractor claims and disputes.
• Maintain familiarity with changes to applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations and industry conditions.
• Maintain good communications with internal and external customers.
• Ensure that contract files are complete and compliant with SORTA, State and FTA audit requirements.
• Facilitate the development of strategies to meet or exceed organizational and department performance goals and objectives.
• Provide a positive work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran.
• Ability to work in compliance with Metro's safety and security policies.
• Participates in departmental and agency-wide task forces and working groups as directed.

• 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 - Accurately identifies and measures own skills and knows when to ask for help in completion of tasks and projects.
• Seeks out and participates in opportunities (internal and external) for professional training.
• Leadership - Energetic, innovative self-starter, committed to continuous improvement and creative problem-solving.
• 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.

• High school diploma required; two or four-year degree in related field preferred or equivalent years of work experience

• Five (3) years of related experience preferred. A viable combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

• Proficiency in MS Office (or similar) suite, including but not limited to Excel and Word;
  Outlook or similar email and calendaring software; and Maximo or similar inventory management and purchasing software; must have the ability to learn new computer programs (software and applications).
• Familiarity with standard public-sector procurement procedures and accounting practices.
• Excellent human relations and organizational skills and excellent written and verbal communication.

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.

Metro is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for…