Procurement Specialist II (Goods & Services)

Work with and have purpose making a significant contribution and impact in the community. The incumbent will perform routine-to-moderately complex technical work in the procurement of equipment, supplies and services for the City of Columbia to support effective and efficient department operations, including but not limited to processing requisitions and bid solicitations, facilitating pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences, performing contract negotiations, conducting market research, creating reports as needed, and other procurement and contract related duties.  This position works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. Excellent customer service along with strong time management and organizational skills are key traits to possess.

The work is considered sedentary and involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: hearing, mental acuity, reaching repetitive motion, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment involves exposure to no known environmental hazards; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs.

• Serves as a liaison to assist departments on various procurement and contract-related matters, including but not limited to providing guidance on all applicable policies and procedures and governing rules and regulations, the Financial Enterprise (FE) procurement module, and the City’s E-procurement system;
• Review purchase requisitions submitted by City departments; review submitted quotations for compliance with specifications and analyze quotes to determine the best value;
• Develops and issues moderate to complex solicitations and other special projects;
• Issues purchase orders and communicates with vendors as necessary to expedite deliveries and resolve shipping/invoicing discrepancies and problems with product quality; 
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints, and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility;
• Displays exceptional customer service, both internally and externally;
• Stays abreast of procurement policies, procedures, best practices, and technology trends; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• Associate’s Degree, or higher, and two (2) years of relevant procurement experience; or 
• High school diploma or GED; and three (3) years of relevant procurement experience; and
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License
• All higher education degrees must be in a business, project management, purchasing, or closely related field.

• Candidates possessing CPPB, CPPO or NIGP-CPP Certification(s);
• Experience with Ionwave or similar e-procurement systems; and
• Public Sector procurement.

• Knowledge of public procurement regulations, practices, and strong technical writing skills;
• Ability to complete broad to extensive market research;
• Independent and critical thinking skills to identify challenges and present solutions;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Above average experience with Microsoft Office Suite to include Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Access; and 
• Professional acumen to handle a fast-paced and varying work load.