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POSITION SUMMARY:Under technical and administrative direction, the Purchasing Agent performs comprehensive professional work for complex and/or sensitive procurement activities in the solicitation and contracting functions of the centralized purchasing requirements of the company. This position is responsible for the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services in compliance with all applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations as set forth by the Georgia Department of Education, and other federal, state, and local agencies. Technical and administrative direction is received from the Executive Director Purchasing and Warehouse Operations. Supervision may be exercised by a team of professional, technical, and clerical staff engaged in purchasing activities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES:Represents the Procurement Services Department at meetings with other departments, suppliers. and other public agencies.Performs functions for complex and/or sensitive purchasing actions including conducting market research, researching past expenditures, guiding overall solicitation process including specification development, issuance, evaluation methodology, award recommendation and contract execution.Serves as liaison between customers (schools and departments) and suppliers to ensure receipt. of goods and services according to the terms and conditions and quality standards of the awarded contract takes aggressive action to protect the customer’s interest if the terms, conditions, or quality standards of the contract are not followed by the successful supplier.Conducts contract process quality assurance reviews.Reviews and executes contracts and purchase orders within delegated authority.Delegates authority and assigns work to subordinate staff commensurate with their qualifications and existing workload.Reviews the work of staff to ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.Conducts training of Procurement employees, vendors, and district school and department staff in the procedures and techniques required in the performance of their duties.Assists staff by providing technical guidance and direction.Performs contract administration functions including negotiating complex contracts, monitoring supplier services for prompt delivery and quality control; recommends legal review of supplier documents; participates in negotiations with suppliers and legal representation.Demonstrates exceptional judgment, analytical, and organizational skills in all aspects of the solicitation process and contract management.Maintains contact with suppliers to both identify prospective vendors and encourage their participation in the procurement process.Provides input in the development and/or revision of Procurement Policies and Procedures.Assists in the preparation and issuance of various internal monthly and annual reports that accurately represent the Procurement Services Department’s activities.Maintains current knowledge of purchasing practices through vendor contact, organization membership, trade literature, training, and trade shows.Performs other related duties as assigned by administrator and/or special projects assigned.Required to attend scheduled shift during regular business hours as mandated. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION:Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Business Law, Finance, Purchasing, or closely related field. CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) or equivalent certification in the purchasing profession from a state or national purchasing organization or federal government warrant as a contracting officer with at least a $10 million authority is required.Must obtain Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) within five (5) years after being placed in this position. WORK EXPERIENCE:Minimum five (5) years progressively responsible experience in a public procurement department.One (1) year supervisory experience preferred.Prior Lawson or other ERP systems experience. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:Business practices related to purchasing.Laws, policies, and procedures governing public procurement.Contract law.Basic principles of accounting, budgeting, and statistics as they relate to purchasing activities.Skilled in Personal computers and common office software and productivity tools including MS Office, MS Outlook, Adobe Pro, and ERP systems.Knowledge in researching and preparing highly complex specifications, solicitations, and contract documents.Ability to source out the appropriate suppliers to support the delivery of services and equipment, develop new supply sources and analyze supplier responses and quotes.Able to lead and facilitate supplier selections to achieve favorable terms on quality, delivery, and price, ensure end-user needs are met and deliver substantial cost savings on a consistent basis.Ability to create and maintain complex spreadsheets.Knowledge of Project/program management. Ability to develop effective and cooperative working relationships with departments, employees, and suppliers.Ability to coordinate, manage, problem solve, strategize, schedule, analyze, and plan.Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including the ability to convey complex and technical subjects in a clear, concise, and positive manner.Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including the ability to convey complex and technical subjects in a clear, concise, and positive manner.Ability to successfully deal with all persons in a fair and equitable manner.Proven ability to work under pressure.Able to maintain the integrity of the public procurement process.Must possess complete integrity and a high sense of personal and professional ethics.
