Hybrid PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST III (SOLICITATION SERVICES) presso City of Columbia, SC

About the Department

Work with and have purpose making a significant contribution and impact in the community.   The incumbent will use excellent writing and research skills to perform advanced procurement duties, drafting, editing, and leading solicitations for the Solicitation Service team.  The Procurement Specialist III serves as a team lead responsible for overseeing and supporting the work of the Solicitation Services team.  This position requires critical thinking and the ability to lead projects successfully from start to finish.  Strong time management and organizational skills are key traits to possess. The incumbent shall have a vast knowledge of best procurement and contracting practices and is responsible for adhering to the City of Columbia Procurement Code, regulations and ensuing policies and operating procedures.

The work is considered sedentary in nature 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.

Position Duties

• Works collaboratively with Procurement Leadership to review incoming requests, assign and coordinate team workflow and meet procurement timelines;
• Serves as the team lead, offering guidance, quality control, training, and mentorship;
• Conducts technical reviews, ensuring solicitations are clear, compliant, and consistent with department standards and expectations;
• Performs market research, spend analysis, and cost benefit to determine the most appropriate procurement method based on the need;
• Ability to draft complex Invitation for Bids (IFB), Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQu) documents to successfully solicit the required need;
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, leadership, executive leadership, and outside stakeholders;
• Performs all direct duties related to solicitations from start to finish to include, but not limited to leading meetings, evaluations, negotiations, reporting, file maintenance, and contract issuance; 
• Displays exceptional customer service, both internally and externally:
• Stays abreast of procurement policies, procedures, best practices, and technology trends:
• Aligns decision making with Department Mission, Vision, and Values; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• Bachelor’s Degree and Three (3) years of public sector procurement experience; or
• Associate Degree and Four (4) years of public sector procurement experience; or
• High school diploma or GED and Five (5) years of public sector procurement experience; and 

• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;
• Proficiently uses Microsoft Suite, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint effectively and regularly;
• 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 system;
• Supervisory experience within the public procurement sector and/or progressive public procurement sector experience;
• Public Sector procurement.

Other Qualifications

• Advanced 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;
• Ability to train and onboard new staff members;
• 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, shifting work load with the ability to pivot priorities efficiently and effectively.