Buyers Specialist Lead
Buyers Specialist Lead
Virginia Community College System
Job Description:
Under the direction of the Purchasing Manager the Lead Buyer Specialist will lead a team of about three Buyer Specialists serving an assigned grouping of colleges arranged by region while performing transactional purchases for a wide variety of goods and services for the 23 VCCS colleges, the System Office and the Shared Services Center.
The position:
• Receives demand signals and purchases goods and services up to the small purchase threshold
• Ensures that all purchases are performed accurately, timely and in accordance with applicable state laws & policies and VCCS policies
• Employs best business practices to continuously improve performance, compliance, efficiency and effectiveness
• Acts as a lead for respective region to assign workload and act as an elevation point
KSA's/Required Qualifications
Required KSA:
• Ability to execute simple to moderately complex purchases of supplies, equipment, and services
• Ability to proficiently use automated procurement systems (e-procurement) to review and process requisitions through to a purchase order and acknowledgment
• Ability to analyze quotes/bids and make appropriate purchasing decisions
• Ability to fully manage procurement process for assignments from the need through the purchase order, including order status and invoicing discrepancies
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and attend to detail in a fast-paced, team-oriented and customer service oriented environment
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers in a professional manner
• Ability to complete assignments following procedures & processes within the policies & laws
• Ability to express thoughts clearly both verbally and in writing
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to use the computer hardware and software required, including proficiency in MS Office
• Ability to lead, assign and act as an elevation point of daily operational tasks to maximize efficiency on their respective teams
• Ability to communicate effectively with leadership regarding progress and support in their respective areas
Preferred KSA:
• Knowledge of governmental procurement principles and ability to follow procurement policy and standard operating procedures
• Working knowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia & VCCS procurement policies (VPPA, APSPM, etc.)
• Working knowledge of eVA (state procurement system) and AIS/PeopleSoft
Required Qualifications:
• Associate's degree from an accredited institution, or equivalent education and experience
• Procurement experience
• Experience in a customer service environment
• Current Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire; see https://vip.dgs.virginia.gov/ for more information on VCA certification
Preferred Qualifications:
• Supervisory experience
• Procurement experience in higher education and/or state government.
Virginia's Community College System, an EEO employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the VCCS is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.