Temporary Procurement Consultant

Position Summary

Our client is seeking a Procurement Consultant to perform professional procurement duties by providing guidance and operational support for their procurement and contracting functions. 

The Procurement Consultant works directly with departments from procurement planning through contracting and delivery, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies while assisting staff in the strategic procurement of goods, services, and other items.

This position works under the supervision of the Assistant Purchasing and Contracts Manager.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Proactively determine needs for goods or services by determining appropriate procurement methods (IFB, RFP, RFQ, sole source, direct purchase, etc.); conduct market research, identify quality sources, evaluate vendors, analyze availability and product cost effectiveness, and recommend suitable alternatives.
• Assist departments with end-to-end procurement processes, including solicitation, evaluation, and award; posts requests for bids, quotes, proposals, or information.
• Draft complex bid specifications and instructions in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, and ordinances; prepare formal and informal bid documents, conduct pre-bid conferences, prepare bid tabulations, evaluate and recommend vendors, and conduct post-bid meetings with vendors as needed.
• Prepare relevant staff reports to present information to appropriate committees or governing boards; assists in the preparation of bid award documentation.
• Process purchase requisitions by ensuring information entered by departments is accurate, valid, and complete prior to approval; resolve internal user processing issues.
• Assist in coordinating purchasing needs with the Purchasing and Contract Division and other cooperative purchasing agreements.
• Serve as the liaison between the Purchasing & Contracts Division and client departments to determine appropriate contracting methods, advise on contract negotiation, review contract documents, facilitate execution, and provide guidance in writing and reviewing technical and contractual specifications.
• Work with departments to develop and review contract packages, ensuring required documentation complete and compliant with federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, and procurement procedures for goods, services, and construction; recommend and oversee revisions before contract execution; coordinate contract submission and approval through the appropriate internal channels.
• Evaluate methods to capture economies of scale while creating opportunities for historically underutilized firms; work with project managers to identify and document minority businesses invited to bid on purchases and contracts, ensuring compliance with North Carolina General Statutes.
• Assist departments in evaluating vendor and contract performance; maintain relevant data, records, and reports; identify and communicate performance issues to the appropriate parties and assist departments with resolution.
• Maintain and update front-end contract documents and standard specifications encompassing technical, financial, risk management, legal, and procedural requirements.
• Collaborate with division leadership and other departments to develop and maintain a formal process for capturing procurement spend data; maintain records, prepare reports, and oversee data systems to support program analysis. 
• Assist with internal user education and training by developing training materials, participating in training modules, and user engagement through a variety of communication tools; identify and recommend ways to simplify the procurement process and support staff training.
• Perform other job-related tasks as required.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of professional purchasing, inventory, and procurement practices and procedures for municipal operations.
• Strong understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and statutes governing municipal purchasing programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, electronic purchasing systems, databases, and related software; experience with Oracle preferred.
• General knowledge of business methods, markets, and the categories of materials, supplies, and equipment typically purchased by local government agencies.
• Ability to write clear and concise procurement specifications and related documentation.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with officials, vendors, internal stakeholders, and the general public, and to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and demonstrate strategic thinking and prudent judgment by applying industry best practices.

Education and Experience

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited community college or university with major course work in business, public administration, or a related field.
• Considerable experience in purchasing, procurement, and contract administration.
• Public sector purchasing and contracting experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Work is generally performed in a sedentary office environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively through speaking and hearing.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read handwritten and electronic documents and work extensively on a computer.

Special Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history, education verification, and credit history review).

FLSA

• Non-exempt