Procurement Specialist

As a Procurement & SBE/DBE Specialist, you will work under the general direction of the Assistant Manager and with project teams to procure, establish, and administer contracts for various commodities, professional services, information technology, construction, capital equipment, rolling stock, and supplies.  You will promote and manage the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs, outreach, and compliance.  You will also provide procurement advice to agency managers and staff.

• Represent the agency as a primary procurement contact at interagency and inter-jurisdictional groups, committees, and forums.  Act as a liaison with other agencies to establish procurement partnerships for contracting and SBE/DBE programs.
• Oversee, plan, and control public procurement and contract administration processes and policies.  Encourage SBE/DBE participation in all procurements.  Research and apply contract law, federal, state, and local procurement laws, regulations, and best practices.  Ensure procurement program compliance.  Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures.  Create legal documents and refer for legal counsel review when needed.
• Compile, research, and analyze available information.  Maintain confidentiality during the procurement process.  Interpret, advise, and make recommendations on procurement issues, policies, and procedures, while exercising the highest degree of professionalism.
• Conduct and provide advice on risk evaluation, life cycle, cost estimation, market research, best value, and strategic planning.  Research and purchase unusual or hard-to-find goods and services.
• Craft and manage public procurement RFPs, RFQs, and ITBs.  Write and collaborate on specifications.  Facilitate public conferences and bid openings.  Create addenda, lead evaluations, negotiations, and interviews.  Conduct award process, contract administration, and closeout.
• Manage complex procurement issues, such as full and open competition, cost price analysis, and WA State Prevailing Wage.
• Provide guidance and training to management and staff on a variety of SBE/DBE procurement related contracting questions.
• Promote and support SBE/DBE participation and development by educating vendors on the contracting process, how to conduct business with Community Transit, information on State certification, and upcoming contracting opportunities.  Facilitate SBE/DBE workshops and events.  Manage outreach and networking sessions to support agency SBE/DBE goals.
• Manage audit regulation compliance for procurement records, including public disclosure requests.
• Maintain or continue progress toward professional procurement certification. 
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, procurement, purchasing, public administration, economics, or a related field.
• Professional certification in Project Management, Procurement, or Supply Chain Management may substitute for 2 years of education.
• 2 years of experience in public procurement of goods and services.
• 1 year experience facilitating teams and working with committees.
• Professional experience with PC-based software such as MS Office, email, and scheduling applications.

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted.

Knowledge Requirements

• Public procurement planning techniques, risk assessments, and best practices, as well as general finance and business ethics, policy, and practices.
• Contract negotiation, management, and administration.
• Local and WA State procurement regulations.
• SBE/DBE policy, program, and compliance.

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by valuing and leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion to uphold Community Transit’s Core Values and achieve the organization’s vision and mission.  Inspiring and fostering team commitment, pride, and trust.  Facilitating cooperation and motivating team members to accomplish group goals while treating others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Ability to think critically, identify strengths and weaknesses and alternate solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Identifying and meeting the needs of internal customers and providing excellent customer service.
• Providing training and instruction to adult learners and professionals
• Presenting technical and non-technical information to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Facilitating diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders and interests to develop and attain mutual understanding.  Using emotional intelligence to navigate complex and challenging group dynamics.
• Basic project management

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Previous transit industry or public sector experience.
• Experience with PeopleSoft Financials & Supply Chain Management.
• Technical writing for creating specifications and reports.

Working Conditions

Hybrid telework may be available.  Availability is at management discretion and may not be available for this position based on the nature of the work.  Work is performed in an office environment and requires the use of office equipment and technology.  You will be required to move throughout and between different office buildings and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments.  You may also be required to lift and carry materials up to 10 pounds occasionally. 

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Employee Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 24 days of Paid Time off (192 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you are related to or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.