Buyer Specialist

Virginia's Community College System; Daleville (VA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia's Community College System seeks a Buyer Specialist to perform transactional purchases across 23 colleges, the System Office, and the Shared Services Center. You will manage requisitions, issue purchase orders, and verify invoicing accuracy while adhering to state laws and VCCS policies.

In this hybrid role, you will use e-procurement systems, review quotes and bids, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure timely, compliant procurement and excellent internal customer service.

Qualifications

• Execute simple to moderately complex purchases of supplies, equipment, and services.
• Use automated procurement systems (e-procurement) to process requisitions to purchase orders.
• Analyze quotes and bids to support purchasing decisions.
• Manage the procurement process from need to purchase order and invoicing.
• Exercise sound judgment and attention to detail in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Work with a wide range of constituencies and provide professional customer service.
• Follow procedures and policies and maintain confidentiality.
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
• Operate MS Office proficiently.

Skills

Purchasing

Procurement systems

Quotes & bids

Procurement process

Problem solving

Stakeholder mgmt

Written comms

Confidentiality

MS Office

Tools

e-procurement

eVA

AIS/PeopleSoft

Job description

Purpose of Position:

Under Their Direct Supervisor, the Buyer Specialist performs transactional purchases for a wide variety of goods and services for the 23 VCCS colleges, the System Office, and the Shared Services Center. The position receives demand signals and purchases goods and services up to the small purchase threshold. Ensures that all purchases are performed accurately, timely, and in accordance with applicable state laws and policies and VCCS policies. Employs best business practices to continuously improve performance, compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Required KSAs:

• Execute simple to moderately complex purchases of supplies, equipment, and services.


• Proficiently use automated procurement systems (e-procurement) to review and process requisitions through to a purchase order and acknowledgment.


• Analyze quotes and bids and make appropriate purchasing decisions.


• Fully manage procurement process for assignments from the need through the purchase order, including order status and invoicing discrepancies.


• Exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and attend to detail in a fast pace, team oriented and customer service-oriented environment.


• Work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.


• Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers in a professional manner.


• Complete assignments following procedures and processes within the policies and laws.


• Express thoughts clearly both verbally and in writing.


• Maintain confidentiality.


• Use the computer hardware and software required, including proficiency in MS Office.

Minimum Qualifications:

Multiple years of customer service or team-oriented work experience or a combination. Minimal buying experience such as experience with purchasing, vendor management, inventory management, negotiations, market research, or project coordination. Current Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire; see https://vip.dgs.virginia.gov/ for more information on VCA certification.

Additional Considerations:

Knowledge of governmental procurement principles and ability to follow procurement policy and standard operating procedures. Knowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia and VCCS procurement policies (VPPA, APSPM, etc.) Knowledge of eVA (state procurement system) and AIS/PeopleSoft. Professional procurement certification(s): Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO), Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB), Certified E-Procurement Professional (CEPP) or other nationally recognized procurement certifications.

Additional Information:

Hybrid telework available! Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In support of the Commonwealths commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Criminal Background Investigation Notice:

The selected candidates offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealths Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

Equal Opportunity Employment:

The Virginia Community College System, an EOE employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the VCCS is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.

The VCCS is an EOE and affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), VCCS will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing and selection processes.

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.