Senior Buyer, Information Technology

Job Purpose: Manage procurement of supplies, equipment, materials and services in the most cost-effective manner that supports the strategy of the department and the commission. Oversee complex, specialized, and non-routine purchasing processes in accordance with OUC policies and procedures. Provides consultation to internal stakeholders, performs negotiations on behalf of the commission, and develops effective professional relationships with both internal and external customers such as suppliers and departments. Primary Functions: Receive, review, understand specifications and make recommendations on process, requirements and modifications to any terms or specifications; Evaluate Request for Quote (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP), Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) and Invitation to Bid (ITB) from suppliers and make recommendations to management during the process; notify suppliers of award and complete contract(s); Partner with various internal teams and engage with external suppliers for purchasing supplies, equipment, materials, and services that are complex, specialized or non-routine; Engage with end-users to understand needs and collect information related to bids; ensure bids accepted are valid, responsive, competitive and meet OUC policy and procedures; Research market and suppliers for most cost-effective and competitive pricing for materials and services; identify and forge new supplier/vendor relationships to create a pipeline for supplies especially during emergencies; Create and manage contracts, extensions and amendments; review contracts and purchase orders to counsel end-users on project timeline and planning efforts; Create Purchase Orders (PO) from order requisitions; run and manage order requisition report for division team; issue PO to suppliers for acknowledgement; process change orders and administrative changes; Identify new business and relationship opportunities consistent with short and long-term goals and strategies of the department and organization; Provide subject matter expertise in evaluation committee meetings and provide feedback on evaluation process and criteria; Manage up to and including complex purchase of materials and services, both indirect and direct; that have high risk, safety, and liability implications; Consult with leadership on purchasing projects to anticipate issues, scope risk, and resolve complex problems; Provide support and leadership throughout the procurement process; Provide status reports on all purchasing activities; make recommendations on tracking metrics and prepare and deliver related presentations to leadership; Provide mentorship and share knowledge of industry best practices and workflow guidance to other purchasing staff members; Collaborate with others to plan projects, establish goals/requirements, best project approach, assess risks, develop strategies, establish terms and schedule needs; Perform other duties as assigned.