Buyer jobs in Petaluma, CA

This position is open until filled.

The Senior Buyer provides senior level professional procurement services, which include, but are not limited to, the planning and development, advertising, evaluation, negotiation, and awarding stages for complex and highly technical contracts primarily supporting public works construction projects, repair and maintenance projects, and complex professional services, including Architecture & Engineering contracts.  The work has complex, technical and programmatic aspects requiring the interpretation and application of policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and grant requirements and involves frequent contact with the public and other agency personnel. 

Under general direction, provides senior level procurement services for highly complex procurements, including developing, coordinating, and administering invitation for bids, requests for proposals, and requests for qualifications.  The incumbent performs detailed analyses and support relating to assigned procurements; develops, summarizes, and maintains detailed administrative and procurement records; analyzes programmatic practices and procedures and makes recommendations for organizational, operational, and procedural improvements; fosters cooperative working relationships with District managers, the public, and regulatory agencies; performs related work as required.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

This is a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by, and minimum requirements of, employees in the class.  Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.  SMART reserves the right to determine and amend job responsibilities.

• Develops solicitation packages for Invitation for Bids, Requests for Proposals, Requests for Qualifications, and Request for Quotes ensuring legal, contractual, and required grant provisions are included to protect SMART’s interests, as well as all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations.
• Confers with various department staff to research and develop detailed product and/or scope of work specifications and establishes contract terms.
• Resolves questions regarding intent and expected use of goods and services, specification definitions, and scope of work statements.
• Consults with SMART’s legal and risk management departments on contractual language and other legal matters associated with assigned procurements and contracts.
• Utilizes e-Procurement software programs to administer the procurement processes, including advertising solicitations, issuing addenda, responding to questions, receiving bids and proposals, coordinating evaluations, and issuing award notifications.
• Prepares and places advertisements for solicitations in newspapers and with trade journals.
• Prepares and distributes notifications to potential bidders and proposers using SMART’s vendor lists, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) lists, and other vendors identified through market research.
• Coordinates and responds to requests for information and questions during the solicitation process and prepares and distributes addenda.
• Coordinates and facilitates pre-bid and pre-proposal meetings, site walks, and public bid openings as required.
• Coordinates and participates in the evaluation of bids and proposals; performs price/cost analyses when required; summarizes bid responses and prepares documentation and reports for approval of contract awards.
• Confirms sub-contractor verifications including verification of applicable licenses, certificates, insurance requirements, etc.
• Negotiates contracts that are highly complex and technical in nature, which may include facilitation of Best and Final Offers (“BAFOs”).
• Utilizes an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to review requisitions and create purchase orders.
• Assists in the creation, review, and coordination of contract change orders and contract amendments.
• Serves as a liaison to employees, the public, private organizations, government agencies, community groups, and other organizations for assigned procurements; provides information, assistance, and clarification regarding procurement programs and services;
• Receives and responds to complaints, questions, and public records act requests relating to procurements and contracts.
• Assists in the preparation of comprehensive technical records and reports.
• Assists in the development of departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and training materials and may conduct training to agency staff on behalf of the Procurement Department.
• Maintains detailed and accurate records and files.
• Prepares and maintains detailed databases, vendor lists, and other reports as required.
• Attends and presents at Board meetings as required.
• Serves as SMART’s Procurement technical lead in absence of the Procurement Manager.
• Performs other projects and duties as assigned.