A Senior Buyer performs work relating to the procurement of a wide variety of goods, materials, services and equipment of a high dollar value and of a complex nature for the School District

An employee in this classification processes requisitions, clarifies requirements with user departments, creates, constructs and updates Request for Proposal, Request For Quote and Request for Tender documentation. Obtains and evaluates RFP's, RFQ's and RFT's with quantitative and qualitative analysis based on weighted criteria. Compiles data and provides to user departments to support all awards to successful bidders including long and short term contracts.

A Senior Buyer interprets and applies District policies and regulations, and follows Trade Agreement procurement processes (AIT, WTO, NAFTA). Monitors market trends and provides recommendations to Management. Is utilized as a liaison with other stakeholders and may represent the purchasing department on various committees as needed. Monitors purchasing activity for opportunities for e-procurement, vendor development, contract administration improvements. 

Monitors volumes and workloads to ensure deadlines and user needs are met. Perform tasks as a senior purchasing team member and provides direction and guidance to Purchasing Staff as needed. Submits recommendations for improvements to Management.  Assists Buyers (as needed) to meet customer service levels in peak periods of activity. Work is conducted under the direction of Management and involves the exercising of independent judgment and action within defined parameters.

A Senior Buyer reports to Management.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Reviews purchasing requisitions to determine the appropriate methods of acquisition through value analysis and determines appropriate competitive bidding tools and methods.

Reviews user provided product descriptions and specifications for inclusion in the development and creation of, requests for quotations (RFQ's), request for proposals (RFP's), request for tenders (RFT's) and ensures that all related documentation is promptly processed.

Analyses and evaluates bids and quotations and ensures that all quantitative and qualitative data is compared and applied for higher dollar value or more complex requirements.

Prepares Evaluation Analysis and forwards to user departments for review and award. Constructs

Approval of Award for stakeholder sign off and support of award decision as determined by users.

Issues contracts or purchase orders generated by electronic requisitions from the users.

Maintains internal and external confidentiality.

Under supervision, oversees contracts including monitoring user serviced contracts, resolving problems and conflicts both internally and externally through constructive, mediation of disagreements that minimize District's legal risks.

Serves users by providing standard and district product catalogues, product cost information, sources, and organizing the ordering process.

Monitors and reports savings and cost avoidance for the purchasing department.

Obtains statistical data and prepares reports to management for department associated activities.

Provides guidance and direction for donation processing.

Locates market sources for standard and non-standard items. Discusses requirements with suppliers, obtains all relevant information for evaluation and comparison purposes, and reviews findings with end-users.

Plans, assigns, prioritizes, assists and directs the work of purchasing staff engaged in related work. Informs the manager of any major problems or deficiencies.

Recommends changes to departmental documents and procedures.  Identifies specifics of such changes and prepares drafts of proposed forms and procedures as appropriate.

Provides assistance to District Procurement Card users.

Organizes operational meeting content with Management and staff. Prepares short and long term goals  for their areas of responsibility.

Performs related duties, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of the types and appropriate use of Competitive Bidding tools, RFP, RFQ, and RFT.

Knowledge of public procurement provincial and federal laws and legislation.

Knowledge of the practices, procedures and techniques used in a large, high volume computerized public purchasing operation.

Knowledge of market conditions, price trends, delivery and pricing practices prevalent in both the public and private sectors.

Knowledge and ability to communicate effectively using senior level business communication and terminology.

Knowledge of legal considerations including but not limited to; contract law & competitive bidding law.

Ability to apply global supply chain methodologies and strategies to obtain best value.

Ability to interpret and apply under direction, all purchasing policies, regulations and procedures governing the purchase of goods and services.

Ability to satisfy multiple service requirements with urgent deadlines.

Ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate work.

Demonstrated ability to direct the work of other purchasing staff.

Ability to solve problems related to the nature and scope of work using quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.

Ability to evaluate quantitative and qualitative data of bids to determine the most appropriate suppliers.

Ability to prepare reports, correspondence and documents related to the procurement of goods, materiel, services and equipment.

Ability to accomplish tasks using computers and departmental specialized software applications for word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, etc. (intermediate or advanced levels)

Interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively work with vendors.

Ability to work as a member of a collaborative team.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Six years recent purchasing experience in a public organization, including; a minimum of three years experience managing work and providing direction to other purchasing staff or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Certified Professional Purchaser's Designation (C.P.P.)

Membership in good standing in the Purchasing Management Association of Canada.

Valid B.C. Driver's Licence.