JOB SUMMARY
The Buyer is an entry-level position that works with System Departmental staff to develop and evaluate solicitations and negotiate terms of purchase for a wide range of products and services and will handle all types of informal solicitations.

Exercises independent judgment and technical expertise in developing solicitation requirements, scopes of work project specific terms & conditions, and evaluation criteria for acquisitions as defined by Management.

Ensures that all purchases are made in accordance with HCC Policy, procedures and applicable governing laws.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Review client Department requests for relevance, and evaluate justification/input documents submitted by client departments to assess appropriate use of processes.

Prepare responses to requests from Supervisor and/or Director & Administration.

Under the direction of the Supervisor and/or Director, provide guidance to System Departments regarding procurement processes, providing technical expertise regarding appropriate procurement method, scopes of services, market research, evaluation criteria and associated weighting, and specific terms and conditions of purchase.

Conduct industry and product market research (including issuing Requests for Information) to identify alternative sources of supply.

Prepare solicitations to promote an open, fair, and competitive selection processes.

Handle acquisitions of varying degrees of complexity, prepares solicitation and award documents, including Summary of Procurements and agenda items as needed.

Serve as a non-voting Chairperson of Evaluation Committees to ensure an effective, transparent, unambiguous, and fair process.

Review requests for non-competitive solicitations (sole sources) and recommends specification changes to eliminate all artificial barriers that may limit or reduce competition.

Prepare for, and participate with Supervisor and/or Director in any protest hearings.

Coordinate the inclusion of Small Business participation in accordance with current policy and procedures and participates in Small Business events.

Prepare response for public records requests.

Perform contract administration including advising on contractual requirements to contractor and Client Departments.

Consult with Supervisor and/or Director and Client Department to prepare for meetings to resolve contract disputes.

Prepare supplemental agreements, contract modifications and change orders.

Prepare reports at the direction of Supervisor and/or Director.

Attend meetings and functions, including delivering presentations as directed by Supervisor and/or Director.

Provide procurement technical expertise for projects and programs as assigned.

Perform other duties, tasks and assignments as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business/Purchasing or any related field required
• 8 years of directly-related work experience may be considered in lieu of required degree
• 3 years of purchasing experience that displays hands-on experience in purchasing a broad range of materials, equipment and services required
• Experience in purchasing and/or procurement in an educational environment or governmental agency preferred

Licensing & Certification

• Valid Texas Driver License
• Certification in any of the following (equivalent or advanced) preferred; o Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)o Certified in Supply Management (CSM)o Certified Texas Purchaser (CTP)

Special Skills

• MS Office Programs
• Information Management Systems
• Budget Management
• State of Texas Procurement Laws and Regulations

Competencies

• Delivering High Quality Work
• Accepting Responsibility
• Serving Customers
• Supporting Organizational Goals
• Driving Continuous Improvement
• Acting with Integrity
• Thinking Critically
• Managing Change
• Communicating Effectively

Working Conditions
General Office. Must be able to perform all job requirements with or without reasonable accommodations; remain in a stationary position during shift; move items weighing up to 25 pounds; position self to operate job equipment; apply established protocols in a timely manner. Must access, input and retrieve information from technology devices; communicate with others to accomplish job requirements. May be required to work after hours to include weekends and holidays.

SECURITY SENSITIVE:
This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215