Senior Purchasing Agent - Public Sector & Marine

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Ferries, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is seeking a Purchasing Agent to lead purchasing services that support safe, reliable ferry operations. This role oversees complex procurements, guides staff, and ensures compliance with laws and regulations to sustain vessel, terminal, and facilities needs.

The position aligns with our values and transformation efforts, focusing on service excellence, improved communication, and empowering people

Qualifications

• Experience contributing to a respectful, inclusive work environment.
• Action-oriented approach to meeting others' needs.
• Commitment to learning and applying new knowledge.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and complete complex procurements under laws and delegated authority.
• Knowledge of procurement principles, ethics, and certifications such as CPPB or CPPO.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with contracts and contract language interpretation.
• Knowledge of procurement methods, procedures, and regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to use automated procurement management systems.
• Ability to analyze bids and determine awards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex WSF procurements including federal and grant-funded purchases.
• Review requisitions, select methods, obtain budget approval, and issue POs within delegated authority.
• Prepare solicitations, conduct public bids, evaluate and award bids, negotiate contracts.
• Research vendors, evaluate supplier performance, plan long-lead purchases, coordinate inventory.
• Process emergency purchases and resolve issues with PMMO and DES.
• Lead Buyer 2 and Buyer 3 staff, provide technical guidance, ensure compliance.
• Resolve overdue requisitions, asset tracking, shipping, invoice, and payment issues.
• Assist the Purchasing & Facilities Manager in improving processes and practices.
• Uphold strategic priorities and values in the agency culture through leadership actions.

Skills

Respect & Equality

Service Orientation

Learning & Growth

Procurement Planning

Procurement Ethics

MS Office

Contract Interpretation

Procurement Laws

Communication

Procurement Systems

Bid Analysis

Tools

WSF EAM Purchasing System

Job description

Washington State Ferries, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is seeking a Purchasing Agent to lead purchasing services that support safe, reliable ferry operations. This role oversees complex procurements, guides staff, and ensures compliance with laws and regulations to sustain vessel, terminal, and facilities needs.

The position aligns with our values and transformation efforts, focusing on service excellence, improved communication, and empowering people