Senior Buyer

• This senior-level position issues and administers the larger and/or more complex commodities & services procurements for City Schools. This role is predominantly responsible for acquiring high-end equipment, supplies, contract, and consulting services for the district.
• Prepares solicitations (IFB/RFP and other procurement methods), for the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services through an open and competitive process.
• Assists in the drafting of scopes of work and preparing required notices and publications.
• Conducts pre-bid meetings, oral presentations, etc. with suppliers and contractors.
• Chairs the RFP evaluation committee and manages the entire process from bid acceptance to contract awards.
• Prepares award recommendations for the Board of School Commissioners.
• Reviews and approves purchase requisitions and ensures all contracts and procurements are in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and City Schools Board of School Commissioners administrative regulations and policies.
• Trains departments and end-users on appropriate requisitioning and procurement procedures.
• Manages the lifecycle of all contracts in electronic databases (Oracle) to which they are assigned, contract amount, board approval dates, contract expiration dates, expenditures, and encumbrances, to dates, etc.
• Serves as City Schools' representative at various committee meetings and workgroups.
• Prepares procurement documentation including emails, letters, vendor correspondence, contractual agreements, and additional appropriate documentation in consultation with legal counsel.
• Reviews and processes Change Orders for End Users in adherence to departmental guidelines.
• Conducts independent research; analyzes and interprets results; develops comprehensive and critical reports.
• Maintains all contracts, files, and databases used in the procurement process.
• Maintains good working relationships with vendors, school and office personnel, local education agencies, and city and state agencies.
• Provides continuity of management, supervision, and leadership within Procurement Services by assuming duties and responsibilities as designated by the Director of Procurement.
• Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school board policies, and the professional standards.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field. The degree must be from an accredited college or institution.
• Must possess one of the following certifications: Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Procurement Professional (CPP), NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), or other purchasing or supply chain industry certifications.
• Minimum six years' experience in purchasing or a related field.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for the required education.
• Thorough knowledge of procurement policies, procedures, state, and local regulations, writing specifications, issuing/analyzing bids, designing and reviewing contracts, and mediating disputes in the best interests of the school system.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities to define market trends and evaluate large-scale or unique procurement events for diverse commodities and services.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Able to collaborate with individuals at many levels within and outside the school system and to serve as a trainer for procurement-related issues.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute work with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities to evaluate purchasing reports and use data in decision-making.
• Highly proficient in Adobe and Microsoft Suite, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Expert in Oracle databases or other ERP or eCommerce applications and systems.

Qualified candidates for the above position must submit the following:

• Completed online application
• Resume that clearly demonstrates the above minimum qualifications. It is important that you include all experiences and education related to the position to which you are applying.
• Upload copies of all transcripts -undergraduate, graduate and all MSDE Certifications
• Must provide three (3) professional references to include: name, title, business address, e-mail address and phone number
• All documentation/certification necessary (scanned copies accepted) to substantiate minimum qualifications; must be uploaded into application
• All documentation must be scanned and uploaded to application

Benefits -- This position is eligible for benefits. To review the available options please see the information relevant to the union for this position by viewing the following link: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org

• Baltimore City Public Schools ("City Schools") does not discriminate in its employment, programs, and activities based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy or parenting status, family structure, ability (cognitive, social/emotional, and physical), veteran status, genetic information, age, immigration or citizenship status, socioeconomic status, language, or any other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations. Discrimination undermines our community's long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity and inclusion for all. Some examples of discrimination include acts of hate, violence, harassment, bullying, or retaliation. For more information, see City Schools' non-discrimination statemen City Schools also provides equal access to the Boy and Girl Scouts and other designated youth groups.

For inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Manager, 200 E. North Avenue, Room 208, Baltimore, MD 21202; 410-396-8542 (phone); 410-396-2955 (fax).

This position is affiliated with the City Union of Baltimore (CUB) bargaining unit.

This position is affiliated with the City Retirement Plan.