Title: Senior Buyer

Employee Classification: PR & Mktg Spec III

Hiring Range:up to $ 85,000

Agency:Virginia State University

Location: Virginia State University

Division: Vice President of Finance and Administration

Academic Unit:

Department:

Agency Website: www.vsu.edu

Job Summary/Basic Functions

Responsible for the establishment of stable policy and operation of procurement and retail operation management requirements, with contractor involvement, to ensure effective and efficient operation of procurement and retail associated services. To support the mission of the University and Department by providing cost effective procurement of complex/high volume goods and services in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia .

Under limited supervision, performs difficult professional and administrative work in the Office of Procurement Services. Work involves developing solicitations including Invitations for Bids (IFBs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) which may be funded with local, state, and federal monies. Responsible for the administration of the solicitation process, including the review of solicitations developed by Procurement Officers I-III, verifying cooperative use contracts, verifying accuracy of sole source documents and assisting with the day to day transactional procurement actions of the Procurement Department. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative. Reports to the Deputy Procurement Director and other leaders as assigned in their absence. Procurement of Goods and services while adhering to Commonwealth legislation specific to procurement statutes for institution of higher education, specifically the Rules Governing Procurement of Goods and Services by the Commonwealth of Virginia, their vendors and Agency Procurement Manual. Assist and advise University staff regarding procurement policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Responsible for writing and administering formal solicitations, including IFBs and RFPs and other approved procurement methods using County and Virginia Public Procurement laws, ordinances and policies. Responsible for developing contracts, sole source determinations, and advising departments on the writing and development of specifications, scope of work, and scope of services.

• Thorough understanding of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and the regulations set forth in the Agency Procurement and Surplus Property Manager (APSPM) and the Vendors Manual published by the Department of General Services, Division of Purchases and Supply;
• Corresponds with the Board of Supervisors and the Finance Committee on recommendations to award contracts.

• Responsible for negotiating contracts, drafting contracts to reflect negotiations and any other pertinent information and works with contract administration department and university attorneys on contract revisions.

• Communicates with vendors and monitors contracts. Tracks contract end dates, change orders, modifications and renewal contracts.

• Administers terminations and Dispute Resolution to include meeting with vendor and contract administrators, department staff to determine resolution on disputes regarding contracts and which party is responsible.

• Administers contracts used by all University Departments for the procurement of goods and services.

• Provides customer service to internal and external customers as needed through daily advice and guidance.

• Maintains electronic record of term contracts and contract renewals.

• Responsible for verifying and approving procurements in the eVA, and Contract Database or other University electronic system(s).

• Ensures that the University Procurement Policy and your procurement actions are in line with Virginia Public Procurement Act and associated regulations.

• Assists the Office of Procurement Services with providing advisory services and training to university department staffs on purchasing policies.

• Oversees special procurement projects, office operations, and resolves day to day problems and issues, including preparing, reviewing, and analyzing solicitation budgets, preparing required meeting(s) agenda items and VPPA related opinions as necessary, and managing procurement status reports.

• Performs other related work as required.

• Considerable knowledge of state and federal regulations related to small purchase charge card operations, individual liability card operations, and air travel card operations, including Commonwealth Accounting Policies and Procedures (CAPP) Manual charge card section;

• Computer proficiency, including creating and updating complex Excel spreadsheets and creating complex Word documents;

• Ability to work with outside entities in a professional, responsible and effective manner;

• Ability to research, analyze and interpret statutory and regulatory requirements in the areas of procurement to determine effects on DOE programs and processes;

• Skilled in using automated financial systems including web-based charge card vendor applications, and state of Virginia systems such as eVA

Additional Considerations:

- Associates/Bachelor's Degree with coursework in business, procurement, or related field.

- For (4) to five (5)years of procurement experience in a public sector environment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

- Supervisory experience of procurement staff preferred.

- Must be a Certified Public Buyer (CPPB) or the ability to obtain within two (2) years of employment.

- Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO) certification preferred or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.