Senior Buyer

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Buyer works with System Departmental staff to handle formal solicitations and develop, evaluate, and negotiate contracts for a wide range of products and services. Exercises considerable independent judgment and technical expertise in developing contract requirements, contract-specific language, and detailed evaluation criteria for highly complex acquisitions as determined by Supervisor and/or Director. Ensures that all purchases are made in accordance with HCC Policy, Procedures and applicable governing laws.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Review client department requests for relevance, and evaluates justification/input documents submitted by client departments to assess appropriate use of processes.
• Prepare responses to requests from Supervisor & Administration.
• Under the direction of Supervisor and/or Director, provide guidance to System Departments regarding procurement processes, providing technical expertise regarding appropriate procurement method, scopes of services, market research, evaluation criteria and associated weighting, and contract specific language.
• Conduct advanced industry and product market research (including issuing Requests for Information) to identify alternative sources of supply.
• Prepare solicitations to promote an open, fair, and competitive selection processes.
• Handle complex acquisitions and prepares solicitation and award documents, including Summary of Procurements and agenda items as needed.
• Serve as a non-voting Chairperson of Evaluation Committees to ensure an effective, transparent, unambiguous, and fair process.
• Review requests for non-competitive solicitations (sole sources) and recommends specification changes to eliminate all artificial barriers that may limit or reduce competition.
• Participate with Supervisor and/or Director in consultation with General Counsel’s Office regarding legal requirements and contractual issues.
• Prepare for and participate with Supervisor/Director in any protest hearings.
• Coordinate Small Business participation in accordance with current policy and procedures and participates in Small Business events.
• Consult with Risk Management to establish insurance requirements for solicitations as needed.
• Prepare responses for public records requests.
• Perform contract administration including advising on contractual requirements to contractor and Client Departments.
• Consult with Supervisor and/or Director and Client Department to prepare for meetings to resolve contract disputes.
• Prepare supplemental agreements, contract modifications and change orders and reports.
• Develop, analyze, and negotiate contracts to obtain mutually agreeable terms and conditions, and price.
• Responsible for maintaining a bid calendar of current projects and contracts.
• Prepare reports at the direction of Supervisor and/or Director.
• Attend meetings and functions, including delivering presentations as directed by Supervisor and/or Director.
• May provide guidance and represent the Department at meetings in the absence of Supervisor and/or Director.
• Provide procurement technical expertise for projects and programs as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business/Purchasing or any related field
• 8 years of directly-related work experience may be considered in lieu of required degree
• 5 years’ experience in purchasing department operations and buying, or procurement management required
• Experience in purchasing and/or procurement in an educational environment or governmental agency preferred

Licensing & Certification

• Valid Texas Driver License
• Certification in any of the following (equivalent or advanced) preferred:oCertified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) oCertified in Supply Management (CSM) oCertified Texas Purchaser (CTP)

Special…