Purchasing Agent - Bexar County, TX : Job Details

Summary

Under executive direction from the Bexar County Purchasing Agent Board, the position will develop and drive all purchasing strategies and operational plans in alignment with all federal, state and local rules and regulations. This position must execute competitive purchasing best practices that provide a strong, pro-active and equal opportunity approach that is inclusive for all vendors. This position provides comprehensive oversight and leadership building a team culture focused on customer service, versatility, conflict resolution and compliance. Regular reporting to members of the Purchasing Agent Board is required and frequent appearances before the Bexar County Commissioners' Court to explain the activities and current status of Purchasing Agent activities.

Salary is contingent upon candidate's experience and qualifications

Applicants: Please do not solicit to Purchasing Board Members

Duties and Responsibilities

* Oversees and manages the daily operations of complex procurements to ensure services solicited by the County are procured in a timely, efficient, effective, and ethical manner.

* Supports contract negotiations and manages contract renewals and extensions.

* Coordinates with the District Attorney's Office to review contracts as necessary, ensuring all contracts have the appropriate legal protections and insurance to minimize risk to the County.

* Develops and implements sourcing strategies that provide a competitive approach, identify and screen suppliers, develop strategic relationships, negotiate terms and conditions, and continuously drive improved service levels.

* Fosters strategic supplier relationships that deliver cost reduction, supply assurance, quality improvement, and innovation.

* Recommends new supply sources and innovative procurement strategies to support continuous improvement initiatives.

* Develops and leverages relationships, where applicable to purchasing activities, to drive value and grow the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and the Countywide Fixed Asset Management Program.

* Develops and implements commodity/supply chain strategies covering all commodities, services, and supplier processes throughout the entire County, delivering maximum value, leverage, and standardization.

* Identifies and executes solutions on all critical issues and holds appropriate staff accountable.

* Develops and delivers reports designed to ensure procurements are processed timely, and ensures the Board has visibility into the status of procurements.

* Conducts research, analysis, analytics, deliverables, and works on special projects as directed by the Board.

* Monitors, investigates, and independently performs audits, problem resolution, including negotiating solutions to complex and high-impact procurement issues.

* Works collaboratively with Elected Officials and department heads and acts as a trusted advisor by identifying, understanding, and fulfilling business needs.

* Oversees development, implementation, and training for Countywide procurement and fixed asset information systems.

* Reviews and formulates new guidance for policies and procedures for competitive bids and proposals subject to Board and Commissioners Court approval.

* Ensures the ongoing maintenance and regular updates of the Bexar County Purchasing Manual.

* Directs preparation of complex bid specifications and conditions, and recommends award of contracts to vendors which include rates and conditions most favorable to the best interest of the County.

* Supervises all purchases made on competitive bids and proposals and monitors proper delivery of goods and services.

* Develops and manages the department budget, annual budget submissions, and reviews and follows all board protocols.

* Provides guidance, develops metrics, and accountability measures for staff.

* Leads and oversees the proper management of inventories of all property on hand and belonging to the County, the transfer of supplies and materials to the appropriate department, and the disposition of all surplus and salvage property.

* Administers the County's surplus property and scrap disposal program, identifying markets for such commodities, and authorizing sales of appropriate equipment and materials in accordance with rules and regulations.

* Represents the Purchasing Office in public meetings and/or when representation is needed.

* Serves as a Procurement and Contracting Services representative at Commissioners Court, workgroups, legislative hearings, conferences, and seminars.

* Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

* Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Procurement, Finance, Economics, or a closely related field, and ten years (10) purchasing experience including five (5) years in a management position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

* Must obtain Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) within the first 18 months of hire date from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing.

* Must complete at least 25 hours of qualifying continuing education during each two-year term of office related to the duties of the County Purchasing Agent, in accordance with Texas Local Government Code, Section 262.011.

* Must execute a bond in the amount of $5,000, payable to the county, conditioned that the individual will faithfully perform the duties of county purchasing agent, in accordance with Texas Local Government Code, Section 262.011.

* Must have strong skills in using personal computers and applications such as spreadsheets and databases and other software systems used in the Procurement fields.

* Must have a valid Texas driver's license, motor vehicle liability insurance, and personal injury insurance; or have a self-reliant source of transportation to conduct business on a daily basis.

* Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation (may include credit score review).

* Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test.

* May be required to work a non-traditional schedule, including evening and weekend hours on occasion.

* Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy.

* Ability to organize and interpret data; ability to operate personal computer and basic office equipment.

* Ability to establish effective working relationships with subordinates, County employees, outside agencies, service providers, vendors, contractors, and the general public.

* Required to be versatile and have the ability to work effectively and efficiently and provide exceptional leadership and communication skills.

* Required to have strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including sound business judgment.

* Required to have the ability and knowledge to provide for secure internal controls, project management protocols, and distinctive conflict resolution and customer service skills.

* Required knowledge of purchasing laws, requirements, methods, and procedures, including purchasing sources, prices, market factors, and technical specifications.

* Required to have the ability to lead a department through relationship-building skills, develop talent, assess performance, and hold accountable in a demanding environment.

* Required to have demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strong strategic and sourcing plans, and strong negotiator skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) Certification.

* Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) Certification.

* Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Business Administration, Procurement, Finance, Economics, or a closely related field.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

* Constantly working in indoor conditions

* Occasionally moves items weighing up to 20 pounds

* Occasionally moves about the office

* Frequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate information

* Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery

* Positions self to perform essential functions

* Must be able to remain in a stationary position

Supplemental Information

Workstations with internet access are available, if needed, to view job postings and apply online at 211 S Flores, San Antonio, TX 78204, 8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday. Phone: 210-###-####.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enableindividualswith disabilities to perform the essential functions.