Procurement Specialist bei Ottawa County, MI

About the Department

Under the supervision of the Purchasing Manager, performs a variety of procurement functions to ensure the cost-efficient sourcing of goods and services countywide. Responsible for providing technical assistance and guidance to departments and elected officials in the procurement of goods and services in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, policies and procedures.

This is a full-time, benefited position working out of the Fillmore Complex located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Position Duties

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists County departments and elected officials in selecting cost-effective vendors and contractors using open market procedures that foster fair competition.

• Prepares highly technical and complex specifications, and solicitation documents, including all related research and value analysis.

• Prepares and analyzes competitive sealed bids, formal sealed proposals, requests for quotations, informal proposals, sole-source and single-source procurements, and other procurements.

• Identifies and notifies potential sources.

• Conducts pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences.

• Coordinates and facilitates activities of the evaluation committees.

• Monitors County payment/performance bonds.

• Monitors insurance requirements to mitigate risk.

• Confers with consultants, contractors, and suppliers in order to acquaint them with procurement policies and procedures and to obtain information on required products and services.

• Negotiates with consultants and contractors regarding specifications, scopes of work, prices, terms and conditions.

• Processes requisitions and purchase order change orders through the financial software after ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.

• Receives and responds to procedural questions with respect to purchasing policies and procedures.

• Performs other functions as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business, public administration, business administration, management or a related field combined with two years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector purchasing; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Certification:

National Institute for Government Procurement NIGP-CPP certification or equivalent preferred. Must obtain NIGP-CPP certification within four (4) years of being placed in the position.

Other Qualifications

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Good working knowledge of public procurement principles and practices.

• Ability to use judgement and initiative in making recommendations and resolving problems that are complex and sensitive in nature.

• Possess complete integrity and a high sense of personal and professional ethics.

• Ability to interact positively and objectively with managers, supervisors, employees, contractors, vendors, and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with varying levels of communications skills.

• Good working knowledge of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing code of ethics.

• Good working knowledge of Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR), which apply to purchases for which federal grant money is expended.

• Good working knowledge of County policies and procedures.

• Ability to establish schedules and to complete projects on a timely basis.

• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, including the ability to convey complex and technical subjects in a clear, concise and positive manner.

• Computer literacy, including thorough working knowledge of spreadsheet, database, accounting and budget management applications software.

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
 
 Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility. 

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a normal office environment.