Buyer ; Procurement and Supply Specialist

Buyer 2 (Procurement and Supply Specialist
2)

Under general supervision of the Procurement Manager, performs procurement activities supporting multiple Spokane Colleges departments in compliance with State of Washington regulations and institutional policies and procedures. Responsibilities include sourcing goods and services, managing the procurement process, issuing and evaluating bids, and resolving purchasing issues.

Duties and responsibilities include procuring goods and services within delegated authority, ensuring compliance with state law and college policies; assisting in developing bid specifications, issuing bid requests, and awarding contracts and purchase orders; managing the full procurement cycle from purchase requisition to receipt of goods/services, including determining and recommending the most appropriate procurement method; resolving discrepancies involving purchase orders, invoices, shipments, and freight charges;

conducting market research and working with suppliers to promote competition, diversity, quality and cost savings; coordinating payments with Accounts Payable using vouchers, purchase cards, and system processes; supporting staff in preparing accurate purchase requests and understanding procurement requirements and regulations; processing Purchase Requisition s into Purchase Orders, distributing to vendors and resolving order discrepancies; researching and resolving issues throughout the procurement process;

maintaining procurement records, databases, and files; modeling professional decorum and mutual respect in all personal interactions; ensuring compliance with all district policies, procedures and directives, state and federal regulations, orders and statutes and collective bargaining agreements; coordinating with Accounts Payable and other Business Office departments to promote effective vendor relations, address inquiries or discrepancies, and facilitate prompt and accurate vendor payments;

supporting and advancing Spokane Colleges' strategic plan and performing other duties as assigned.

Competencies include managing complexity, being resourceful, action-oriented, planning and aligning, having financial acumen, collaborating, instilling trust, having a customer focus, and optimizing work processes.

Minimum qualifications include an associate degree in Business Administration or related field and two years of full-time purchasing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; ability to complete Department of Enterprise Services procurement and contract training within 60 days of hire; strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines; ability to work independently with minimal supervision;

effective written and verbal communication skills; strong customer service and interpersonal skills; working knowledge of accounts payable and receiving processes; experience using an integrated ERP system; and ability to work effectively in a fast paced, semi-open office environment with frequent interruptions.

Desired qualifications include professional purchasing certification as an Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (APP), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Professional Public Buyer, (CPPB) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) or equivalent professional purchasing designation; knowledge of current Washington State procurement laws and regulations; procurement experience in higher education or a government environment; familiarity with DES regulations and oversight of state agency and higher education procurement;

proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience interpreting policies and assisting customers with procurement processes; and experience with People Soft ERP systems.

Physical requirements include work being performed in a normal, temperature-controlled office environment; work being sedentary in nature; frequent use of computers and exposure to terminal screens; visual focus and strain; work in a semi-open office setting with frequent interruptions and background noise; work involving constant interruptions and requirement to answer on demand questions by phone, in person, or electronically; frequent repetitive hand/wrist motions and finger manipulation;

frequent oral and auditory communication with others.

Conditions of employment include a full-time schedule (12 months, 40 hours a week); this position is overtime eligible; a 6-month probationary period; a criminal background check is required; this position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement. Membership is optional.