Senior Procurement Specialist

Under supervision of the Procurement Manager and limited supervision of the Procurement Program Supervisor, this position manages large, complex procurements related to professional and non-professional services with a strong emphasis on information technology projects.    Leads and documents evaluation deliberations, negotiations and award processes to ensure all phases of the procurement process are conducted in a manner consistent with procurement best practices, the Virginia Public Procurement Act and Fairfax Water requirements and maintains all ethical standards and credibility in the marketplace with potential bidders, contractors, and customers.

• Manages large complex procurement and contract administration actions by:
• Manages competitive procurement process, formal and informal, in compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act and Fairfax Water policies and procedures.
• Prepares, issues, and awards complex Invitation For Bids and Requests For Proposals with knowledge of information technology purchases.
• Works with requisitioners to develop, review, and edit specifications and/or scopes of work for solicitations.
• Performs research on sources of supply and determining the availability of existing public contracts to satisfy user requirements.
• Determines appropriate procurement method.
• Conducts pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences.
• Completes evaluation of bids and proposals for compliance with the solicitation requirements.
• Leads and documents evaluation deliberations, negotiations and award processes to ensure all phases of the procurement process are conducted in a manner consistent with procurement best practices, the Virginia Public Procurement Act and Fairfax Water requirements and maintains all ethical standards and credibility in the marketplace with potential bidders, contractors and customers.
• Prepares complete agreements and identifies applicable terms and conditions for purchase of goods and/or services.
• Assist senior personnel with the preparation and of Board Items for contract awards.
• Reviews and approves purchase orders under the authority delegated by the Procurement Manager.
• Negotiates difficult and/or major contract changes with vendors.
• Performs contract administration functions, identifying problems and initiating corrective action when appropriate.
• Maintains complete procurement file documentation.
• Assists in the development of internal procedures and regulations.
• Identifies and coordinates with the Procurement Program Supervisor and SAP Team on modifications/reconfigurations to modules to improve efficiencies in the procure-to-pay process for internal and external Procurement users.
• Assists in the training of lower level employees.Testifies in court to support Fairfax Water’s action or interest in procurement or contract disputes as needed.
• Responsibility contract administration activities.
• Assists, advises, and guides junior procurement and compliance personnel as required.
• Performs related work as required and assigned.
•  Must be able to work independently and collaborate with other departments and division to contract for a wide variety of services.
•  Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or business-related field from an accredited college or university; and at least five years of progressive experience in management of complex information technology procurements and management of awarded contracts or an equivalent combination of education, experience and knowledge.
• Considerable experience in state and/or local government procurement for information technology, facility operations and contract administration, and complex, high cost purchases of other services and commodities.
• Considerable knowledge of procurement policies, regulations and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of best practices in public procurement.
• Experience with drafting procurement specifications and contracts.
• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or other accredited procurement certification and ability to obtain any necessary certification within two years of employment.
• Experience negotiating complex and technical contracts, change orders, amendments, and renewals.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.
• Expertise in MS Office with high level of proficiency in Word and Excel and experience using PowerPoint.
• Experience with procuring GIS technology.
• Must pass a controlled substance (drug) test for employment.
• Fairfax Water requires new employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to legally required exceptions.