Purchasing Agent

Purchase materials, supplies, equipment and services in a timely fashion and of a quality and price consistent with Authority needs and in accordance with good purchasing principles and ethical standards.  Process routine solicitations of approved value primarily utilizing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or other approved method.  May serve as a primary buyer for procurements needed to support Airport Operations and Maintenance. Perform routine processes which include market research, review of other agencies’ contracts to determine eligibility for utilization, purchase description development, locating vendors, solicitation processing, price analysis, value analysis, award determination or recommendation, award and purchase order processing.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   Essential functions, as defined under the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), may include any of the following representative duties and responsibilities.  Duties and responsibilities, such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are also an essential function.  Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review and process electronic documents as required, utilizing the Authority’s Financial System. Documents include Standard Purchase Orders, Blanket Purchase Agreements and Contract Purchase Agreements as required by the individual purchase 
• Review, refine and develop purchase descriptions for routine purchase solicitations; assist the Purchasing Manager in the development of specifications and statements of work for use in major purchase solicitations as requested; coordinate with requesting department to confirm drawings, other attachments and supporting documentation are provided within timeframes to meet required deadlines
• Prepare RFQ solicitation packages to solicit goods and services with the goal of getting the best value for dollars spent consistent with Authority needs and in accordance with good purchasing principles and ethical standards, Authority policy and State of Florida statutes utilizing the Authority’s most current e-procurement system.
• Receive and evaluate quotations, assist in the development of award recommendation memos as requested by the Purchasing Manager, and prepare award documents.
• Coordinate alternate actions with requestor when budgetary restrictions, sourcing problems, availability, or time constraints impact the procurement.
• Perform market research to maintain an understanding of goods and services to be purchased, be proficient in assigned commodities, and assist customers in obtaining product information for a competitive vendor base.
• Advise customers of the Authority’s procurement process to obtain goods and services. Provide guidance to customers in purchase description development.
• Resolve any delivery or payment issues with the appropriate department.
• Conduct pre-solicitation and other meetings with vendors and customers as needed.
• Remain current in knowledge of purchasing principles; Authority policy, procedures, methods and accepted operational practices demonstrate proficiency in their practical application.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Associate degree in General Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience in procurement, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.  Experience must include processing solicitations in an e-procurement system.  Bachelor degree and/or procurement experience in the public sector is preferred.

• Working knowledge of the solicitation and award process for purchases of commodities, equipment, and services using request for quotes
• Working knowledge of purchase description development
• Skilled in vendor base development, product and service research, pre-award surveys, price analysis and value analysis 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Desktop application software skills including word processing, database, and spreadsheets.  ERP system order entry experience is preferred.

         Valid Florida Driver License

• Current certification as a Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or equivalent certification preferred

• None

• Experience and judgment to plan, research issues, evaluate data, prepare documents, complete tasks and carry out responsibilities.

• Work independently under moderate supervision and general direction, exercising considerable independent judgment and discretion.