Senior Buyer

Responsible for performing the more advanced purchasing work for York County Government offices, including the York County School Division, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and policies and procedures. Performs the more complex and specialized work in the procurement of a variety of supplies, materials, equipment, professional services, and capital improvement projects. Ensures compliance with purchasing policies and procedures, legal provisions, ethical issues, management of vendor performance, and contract interpretation/administration; ensures the integrity of the County’s public procurement process is upheld. Provides guidance, review, and direction to departments/schools regarding solicitation specifications/standards/requirements, in order to determine appropriate sourcing strategies. Initiates and administers formal solicitations, to include all necessary activities for the development of Requests For Proposals; reviews and evaluates submittals to determine compliance with stated specifications and requirements. Facilitates evaluation committee and vendor presentation meetings; determines negotiation strategies and conducts competitive negotiations; awards contracts based on the most qualified offeror which meets the criteria and conditions most favorable to the County and/or School division and in accordance with the solicitation and applicable regulations and laws; prepares/reviews legal contract verbiage/documents, and performs post award activities. Initiates and administers some of the more difficult contracts; participates in larger, more complex contracts on a regular basis, which includes the moderate to highly technical/complex specifications, special instructions/conditions, and requirements for Invitation For Bid solicitations; evaluates quotes/bids and facilitates recommendation of award of contracts to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder. Conducts pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences with prospective bidders and offerors; prepares/issues written addenda as required. Conducts analysis of vendor cost/price proposals, conducts best-value analysis, and lease/purchase analysis. Performs financial computations, statistical analysis, and forecasting. Negotiates single source contracts. Collaborates with departments and Purchasing Agent to assist in the development of procurement documentation necessary for Board of Supervisor meetings. Interacts with vendors to determine product availability, cost and quality; responds to vendor inquiries; receives and responds to a variety of inquiries and complaints relating to vendors and manufacturers; resolves problems and performance issues as identified based on knowledge of department, or refers to appropriate party. Serves as mentor and advisor to procurement staff for sourcing, contracting, contract administration, and contract forecasting. Stays abreast of new products, and changes to product lines; researches and analyzes products and services, product substitution, and price and quality differences. Identifies opportunities for the establishment of contracts; monitors and maintains contract renewal schedules; and may serve as Contract Administrator for issued agreements. Prepares and distributes a variety of correspondence and reports related to purchasing activities and policies. Engages in professional development in public procurement through continued education and networking. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, and five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible public procurement experience. Requires a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. This job is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment checks to include driving record, criminal history and background checks. Completion of a professional certification such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM…