Buyer II

Responsible for the procurement of parts, materials, supplies and services of a highly diverse nature in a manner that is consistent with all Federal, State, Local laws and regulations and VIA policy. Must also perform procurement functions that are consistent with VIA’s mission to “provide public transportation services with are safe, dependable, and cost effective, thereby enhancing the quality of life in our community.”

Provides guidance and direction for enterprise wide procurement activities, employing advanced knowledge of procurement processes and related business fields and disciplines. Conducts bidding, analysis, negotiations and supplier management.

Plans, organizes and controls activities associated with acquisition of operational goods and services. Serves as primary contact between supplier and internal customer and binds VIA to obligation within limits established by management.

Prepares requests for quotations, invitations for bids and requests for proposals to include technical specifications and applicable boilerplate provisions. Places purchase orders, both written and verbal for a variety of commodities to include automotive parts, bus parts, materials, equipment, supplies and services. Negotiates printing and support for special events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Supports diversity and economic opportunity efforts within the division and coordinates with VIA’s Economic Opportunity Specialist - Compliance in achieving DBE goals in all types of procurements.

Makes oral presentations at Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) workshops and trade shows.

Orders automotive and bus parts by means of telephone, facsimile (FAX) or written quotations.

Conducts pre-bid conferences, bid openings, analyzes bids/quotes/proposals and recommends award.

Conducts products and services meetings with vendors’ sales representatives.

Analyzes bids/quotes to determine the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and awards contracts under $25,000

Creates purchase orders, bid tabulations and contracts by means of personal computer using VIA’s Automated Inventory Purchasing System (AIPS).

Determines and documents price fair and reasonableness.

Provides enhancements to customer service, supplier management and product and service recommendations that result in cost savings to VIA.

Evaluates customer needs and assists customers in the creation of specifications, statements of work and contract performance indicators.

Prepares backorder and various procurement activity reports.

Analyzes stock levels and recommends changes to re-order points and economic order quantities.

Releases purchase orders for emergency or rush procurements as needed.

Traces back orders.

Maintains current vendor data and enters new vendors into the vendor database.

Works with manuals, catalogues and other publications for parts/supplies identification and pricing.

Secures data on specifications of stock items, market conditions, availability, new technology and developments relative to the transit industry.

Provides support to supervisors, mechanics, foreman, storeroom personnel and office employees requesting information on parts, supplies or services.

Composes correspondence to vendors and sales representatives pertinent to delivery, quantities or quality.

This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in Business or a related field and a minimum of three (3) years’ experience working in a procurement environment to include negotiation of price terms and conditions, processing purchase orders and controlling intricate communication with suppliers and internal customers. Experience may be substituted in lieu of education on a year for year basis up to four years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Infor Experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a strong foundation in requirements sourcing, negotiation and supplier selection.

Must be able to use a PC.

Ability to operate autonomously to apply procurement knowledge and experience.

Ability to effectively manage complex interactions involving suppliers, customers and the overall needs of VIA.

Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of management.

Demonstrated strong analytical and decision-making skills that lead to creative solutions to benefit VIA’s mission.

Must have strong organizational skills.

Must be able to perform complex arithmetic calculations.

Must be able to understand and utilize various computer software applications.

Must have effective oral/written communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.

Must have background in automotive parts and/or bus parts recognition.

Must be able to read and understand complex materials such as specifications, reports, reference manuals, maintenance manuals and written instructions.

Must be able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive material.

Must be able to maintain good work attendance.

Safety Accountability Statement:

- Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.

- Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.

- Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.

- Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.

Must comply with and support VIA’s EEO policies and the Diversity Program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach and occasionally lift objects weighing 5-25 pounds such as files, supplies, equipment and large heavy reference manuals and books.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

Works in a normal office environment.

Work involves deadlines and multiple priorities.

Work may involve off-property travel.

Work may involve exposure to moving machinery (e.g. buses, support vehicles, lathes, compressors, saws, and drills).

VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

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