Procurement Contract Specialist

County of Riverside; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking Procurement Contract Specialists to join their Purchasing and Fleet Department. This role offers a unique opportunity for professional growth, allowing you to develop your skills in contract negotiation and procurement management. You will act as a liaison, ensuring the needs of various departments are met while implementing best practices in procurement. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in public sector purchasing and be ready to bring innovative ideas to the table. If you are passionate about procurement and eager to make a difference, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Two years of purchasing experience including contract negotiation.
• Experience with high-value agreements and public sector procurement.

Responsibilities

• Develop complex contracts and specifications for procurement.
• Negotiate and draft contracts, issue purchase orders, and assess vendor compliance.

Skills

Contract Negotiation

Purchasing Methods

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Purchasing or Business Administration

Job description

The County of Riverside's Purchasing and Fleet Department has multiple opportunities for Procurement Contract Specialists to serve as advisors in purchasing and negotiating matters. These positions serve as an amazing development opportunity for promotional growth, including the ability to have signing authority.

Acting as a liaison, the Specialists will understand the unique needs of the department they support. The incumbent will be a procurement subject matter expert with the proven ability to implement industry best practices. They will also be responsible for the negotiation and drafting of contracts, including services and tangible goods, issuing purchase orders, and acting as a primary contact for vendors. Other duties include researching, developing, and reviewing specifications for the solicitation of quotes, bids, and proposals, as well as participating in public bid openings. Additionally, this position will work closely with internal stakeholders, leading meetings and assessing procurement needs, with a strong emphasis on writing skills and procurement terminology.

The department seeks candidates with a penchant for innovation who will bring new ideas and efficiencies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience handling complex procurement duties such as purchases, bids, proposals, quotes, RFQs, RFI, RFPs, and RFBs, especially within the public sector. Candidates with Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certifications from the UPPC are strongly encouraged to apply.

Meet the Team!

The Purchasing and Fleet Department provides vehicles, goods, and services to County Departments and agencies. Its functions include solicitation, vendor selection, negotiation, contract management, reporting, disposal of surplus property, and emergency logistical support for Riverside County agencies.

Responsibilities include developing complex contracts, researching vendor information, developing specifications, writing solicitations, analyzing contract types, reviewing bids, conducting vendor debriefings, maintaining records, and monitoring contract compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in purchasing, business administration, economics, or a related field. Additional experience may substitute for education on a 30 semester/45 quarter units to one year of experience basis.

Experience: Two years of purchasing experience including contract negotiation and development of high-value agreements. Alternatively, four years of relevant experience, with two years at the County of Riverside Buyer II level, are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Complex procurement experience including various purchasing methods.
• CPPO or CPPB certification.
• Public sector procurement experience.
• Strong communication skills.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of governmental purchasing methods, policies, and standards; ability to work independently and in teams; excellent communication skills; ability to develop specifications, lead negotiations, and evaluate vendors.

Other Requirements

Successful Sheriff Level One Security Clearance; valid California Driver's License; passing an analytical skills assessment.

This is a continuous posting with review dates on March 17th and April 17th, 2025. Remote work may be considered in the future, but initial in-office presence is required.

For questions, contact Angela Tavaglione at [e-mail] or [phone]. Support is available via [e-mail] or 1-855-524-5627.