Procurement Specialist I — Public Contracts & Strategy

Orange County Public Schools; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida seeks a seasoned procurement professional to manage contracting functions for assigned areas in accordance with all governing regulations and procedures.

This role requires strong knowledge of public procurement, contract documents, negotiation, and cost analysis, with responsibilities including developing procurement strategies, coordinating with districts and suppliers, and maintaining detailed spending records for contracts authorized by the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution or any equivalent combination of related education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions.
• One (1) year of experience related to the procurement function.
• Public/government procurement experience is preferred.
• Must be computer literate. SAP and/or procurement platforms is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manifest a professional code of ethics and values.
• Respond to internal and external customers in a timely, accurate, courteous and empathetic manner representing OCPS in a positive light.
• Model the routine, intentional and effective use of technology in daily work, including communications, organization and management tasks.
• Engage in procurement planning with stakeholders. Routinely meet and communicate with stakeholders to identify and provide high-quality service to meet service delivery requirements on a timely basis. Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information in a courteous, efficient, and timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of spending levels for contracts authorized by the School Board for assigned categories.
• Participate in training programs to enhance individual skills and proficiency related to job responsibilities.
• Review current developments, literature, and technical sources of information related to job responsibilities.
• Provide support and guidance to OCPS staff on procurement matters. Advises, trains, and serves as liaison to OCPS departments and schools on procurement procedures and issues.
• Research, prepare, manage, and analyze various types of competitive solicitations.
• Reviews and interprets insurance certificates, bid, payment and performance bonds to ensure contractual compliance.
• Provides contract administration support to district schools and departments to address supplier performance issues.
• Responds timely to inquiries regarding procurement and related activities.
• Evaluates vendor responses for responsiveness, responsibility, and compliance with solicitation requirements and makes an award recommendation.
• Review and analyze existing contracts before expiration to determine whether the contract should be renewed or re-solicited and prepare recommendations for renewals.
• Reviews, analyzes, and resolves procurement issues.
• Researches the appropriate terms, conditions, pricing structure, specifications, strategy, and other elements to negotiate and develop contracts that balance cost, quality, and service to achieve the best possible outcome for the district.
• Participate in presentations and outreach events promoting the procurement operation.
• Conduct pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences.
• Coordinate and supervise activities of evaluation committees.
• Perform contract administration, including liaison between suppliers and departments, compliance with contract terms and conditions, and negotiation of contract amendments, extensions, and change orders.
• Analyze cost and price data from vendors to include price increases.
• Maintain the integrity of the public procurement process.
• Effectively communicate procurement policies and procedures to all personnel.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies that optimize value for the district while adhering to policy and procedures.
• Stay informed of industry trends and leverage this knowledge for strategic sourcing.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards in every transaction.
• Follow the district’s policies and procedures as related to all HRMD guidelines and the district’s instructional initiatives.
• Follow the district’s policies and procedures as related to fixed assets.
• Develop leadership in subordinates.
• Responsible for keeping up to date on current technology being used by OCPS. With the support of the district, attend training to ensure skill level in various technologies is at the level required to perform in current position.
• Responsible for maintaining timely and accurate information and accountable for the quality of information maintained by those they supervise.
• Responsible for self-development and keeping up to date on current research, trends and best practices relevant to the area of responsibility.

Skills

Procurement

Contract negotiation

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

Procurement platforms

Job description

Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida seeks a seasoned procurement professional to manage contracting functions for assigned areas in accordance with all governing regulations and procedures.

This role requires strong knowledge of public procurement, contract documents, negotiation, and cost analysis, with responsibilities including developing procurement strategies, coordinating with districts and suppliers, and maintaining detailed spending records for contracts authorized by the