Buyer/Procurement Specialist II

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; Oregon (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Temporary Buyer/Procurement Specialist II to manage procurement and contracting duties. This role involves researching, sourcing, and preparing bids while ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of business management principles, excellent communication skills, and experience in contract negotiation. Join a dynamic team dedicated to efficient procurement processes and contribute to impactful projects that support the community. This is a temporary position with an opportunity to make a significant impact in a well-respected organization.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in procurement and contract administration.
• Advanced knowledge of business and relationship management principles.

Responsibilities

• Perform cradle-to-grave procurement and contracting duties with little supervision.
• Analyze market conditions and product developments for work application.

Skills

Business Management Principles

Contract Negotiation

Market Research Techniques

Microsoft Office

Communication Skills

Team Leadership

Education

High School Diploma

3+ years in Procurement

7+ years in Procurement

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Monday through Friday. Not to exceed 40 hours per week.

Position Location

Position Location Laurel

Position Summary Information

General Summary

This is a non-merit system temporary position. The temporary assignment will not exceed 12 months.

The Temporary Buyer/Procurement Specialist II performs advanced, cradle-to-grave procurement and contracting duties with little supervision. Responsible for researching, sourcing, bid preparation, contract awards, contracts administration and closeout activities.

Essential Functions

• Has authority to bind the Commission on purchases per the delegation of authority
• Develops sources of supply using research techniques to collect and analyze data
• Analyzes market conditions and product/technological developments for work application
• Develops specifications and statements of work with customers and team members
• Analyzes and evaluates responses to moderately complex solicitations to include commodities, services and professional services
• Reviews requirements such as insurance, bonds, and scope of work
• Prepares, awards, and administers contracts and/or purchase orders of moderate complexity including: preparation of bid tabulations, notice of award, and all associated documentation
• Monitors contractor’s deliverables and performance, processes changes/modifications, and performs contract closeout
• Coordinates and leads sites inspections, pre-solicitation conferences, bid openings, and other related meetings
• Conducts advanced price and cost analyses for bid award and reporting purposes
• Performs calculations for economic price escalation on various types of contracts
• Contacts customers to identify and discuss needs and resolve problems
• Builds and achieves consensus with customers on service level agreements
• Processes order requests of moderate complexity and determines the method of procurement ( RFP , IFB , RFQ or RFI ) based on the characteristics of the request
• Composes contracts and other required documents of moderate complexity
• Conducts vendor conferences and negotiates with vendors on large purchases of moderate complexity (i.e. purchase of commodities and services, including Professional Services)
• Contacts, interviews and/or negotiates with suppliers to conduct market research, to resolve contract related discrepancies, to resolve delivery and billing disputes
• Prepares and presents, for approval, contracts to supply chain approval authority
• Prepares and presents information to small groups related to procurement activities

Other Functions

• Assists the team in the management and development of large or complex team projects and may manage team projects
• Trains, leads and mentors other staff members on procurement principles, practices and techniques
• Attends and participates in vendor outreach activities
• Creates and prepares reports
• Performs other duties as assigned

Work Environment And Physical Demands

Business casual office environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of business and relationship management principles and practices in purchasing, contracting, and negotiating
• General knowledge of research techniques, finance, and accounting
• Perform cradle-to-grave contracting work of moderate complexity
• Lead a team in the performance of moderately complex procurements
• Write clearly and concisely using proper language and grammar
• Demonstrate good judgment in applying laws, regulations, policies and procedures
• Promptly respond with professionalism and courtesy to requests and complaints from the general public, vendors, customers, co-workers and external government agencies
• Work proactively to resolve issues
• Use Microsoft Office to create and maintain documents, reports, spreadsheets and databases
• Actively collaborate with team members to accomplish team objectives

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in procurement and contract administration

OR

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in procurement and contract administration

Additional Requirements

Completion of the WSSC Water Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.

Preferences

Procurement certifications such as CPM , CPSM , CPSD etc. OR designation as a Federal Government Acquisition Professional certified to Level II, or equivalent.

Salary Commensurate with experience and education

EEO Statement

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.

Close Date

Close Date 05/23/2025

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Additional Information

All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.

Eligible applicants will be reviewed after 5/23/25.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a High School diploma or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Will you, now or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status?
  • Yes
  • No
• Are you an eligible veteran of any branch of the armed forces who has received an honorable discharge or Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Military Service, the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability or the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran?
  • Yes
  • No