Purchasing Specialist

Purpose, Scope & Dimension of Job: The purpose of this position is to facilitate the College’s needs for purchased goods and services. The Purchasing Specialist will act as a liaison between the vendor community and the College’s employees and will be responsible for procuring the goods and services needed for the continuity of the College. He/she will ensure that all purchased goods and services will be made in a manner that is consistent with the Board and administrative policies of the College as well as local, state and federal regulations. The position is one of two Purchasing Specialists who, along with the department manager, handle all the procurement activity for the College and its extension campuses. Supervisory Responsibility: This position does not directly supervise any other staff, but assists the Purchasing Manager in the direction and supervision of work study student(s). Minimum Requirements A minimum of two years of demonstrated experience in the purchasing field A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or other business-related field or equivalent education and experience. Commitment to providing consultative, facilitative, collaborative customer service Ability to analyze situations and develop flexible solutions which both meet the customer’s needs and ensure compliance with policy Ability to use and demonstrate effective proficiency at the intermediate level in MS Word and basic level in MS Excel. Experience with purchasing software systems Familiarity with and ability to use the Internet as a search engine for products, services and vendors and other applicable data as requested Familiarity with and ability to use the Internet as a search engine for products, services and vendors and other applicable data as requested Ability to write a comprehensive bid specification Ability to read, interpret and analyze quotes, bid submissions and contracts Demonstrated work history of providing high-quality customer-orientated service including problem-solving orientation, highly developed organization skills, ability to determine priority and multi-task accordingly, strong listening skills, coordination of work effort with others (teamwork) and conflict resolution Strong follow-through and follow-up skills Must be able to communicate tactfully and courteously with diplomatic assertiveness; strong written and verbal skills Ability to maintain confidentiality Ability to ensure adherence to the College’s administrative and Board policies, in conjunction with applicable law Self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimum supervision and willingness to accept accountability for and ownership of work Must be dependable and reliable Ability to decipher when the need arises to involve colleagues and/or managers, as appropriate Additional Desirable Qualifications Experience with the Datatel Administrative System Demonstrated knowledge of public purchasing practices and legislation Demonstrated knowledge of contracts and contract administration Demonstrated knowledge of software, audio/visual, information technology systems and other electronic instrument purchasing Demonstrated intermediate user of MS Excel and MS Word; experience using MS PowerPoint Possession of a professional certification through the ISM (C.P.M or C.P.S.M.) or NIGP (CPPB or CPPO) Physical Requirements/Working Conditions Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time Need to frequently move about office and campus; able to walk distances and bend or stoop Frequent operation of office equipment such as computers, copiers and fax machines Ability to carry light loads (approximately 30 lbs. or less) Must be able to exchange information clearly and effectively – this position constantly communicates both inside and outside of the College Work Schedule Full time employee, 40 hours per week/52 weeks per year. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m…

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