Procurement Specialist I/II (DOQ)

Join IEUA's Contracts and Procurement team and play a key role in supporting the Agency's operations, capital programs, and public-service mission. We are seeking a motivated, service-focused procurement professional who enjoys solving problems, working collaboratively with internal customers, and managing purchasing activities while maintaining transparency, compliance, and responsible stewardship of public funds. This recruitment will fill one (1) position at either the Procurement Specialist I or Procurement Specialist II level, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, education, training, and experience.

As a Procurement Specialist I/II, you will perform a variety of purchasing and contract administration duties in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and Agency procedures. Responsibilities include reviewing and processing purchase requisitions; creating and processing purchase orders; conducting market research; soliciting and evaluating quotations and bids; analyzing pricing, quality, availability, terms, and delivery information; supporting formal and informal competitive procurements; maintaining accurate procurement records; and working with internal customers and vendors to resolve purchasing issues. Depending on the level of the position, the Procurement Specialist may also independently negotiate pricing and terms, conduct price and best-value analyses, and recommend procurement approaches and suppliers in accordance with Agency requirements.

KEY OBJECTIVES

• Provide responsive procurement support and guidance to Agency departments from purchase request through purchase order issuance.
• Conduct compliant and well-documented competitive purchasing activities that support best value and responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Analyze purchasing requests, vendor responses, pricing, and supporting documentation to identify issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Maintain accurate procurement, vendor, and purchasing records and support timely completion of procurement transactions.
• Build effective working relationships with internal customers, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders through professionalism, communication, and follow-through.

• Two years of college-level coursework in business administration, public administration, purchasing, materials management or a related field.
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in procurement.
• Experience in a public agency is preferred.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in business or public administration, finance, operations management or a closely related field
  
• At least three years of professional procurement experience
• Experience in a public agency is preferred.

• Certified Purchasing Public Buyer (CPPB) certification is desired.
• NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) certification is desired

• Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain procurement policies, procedures, and requirements to internal staff, vendors, and other stakeholders.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders through professionalism, responsiveness, and effective communication.

• Experience conducting market research and price analysis, and evaluating vendor qualifications, quotes, and bids for compliance and best value.

• Skilled in supporting procurement coordination, including assisting with specifications, managing purchasing timelines, maintaining vendor and contract records, and tracking purchase orders.

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to assess purchasing requests and vendor proposals, identify risks or discrepancies, and recommend efficient, compliant solutions.

• Experience using an enterprise resource planning (ERP), e-procurement, purchasing, or financial management system to process, document, and track procurement transactions.

• Ability to independently manage multiple procurements and competing deadlines while maintaining accurate documentation and providing timely customer service.

• Ability to interpret and apply procurement policies, procedures, delegated purchasing authority, and competitive procurement requirements to a variety of purchasing situations.

• Procurement Specialist I PR 174 ($41.1621 - $50.1520 Hourly)
• Procurement Specialist II PR 175 ($43.2174 - $52.6568 Hourly)

Click the links to learn more about our Agency's Mission, Vision, and Values, including our Strategic Plan

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted through Wednesday, September 2, at 11:59 PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.

All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job-related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical examination. A second round of interviews may also be conducted. Communications regarding this recruitment will be sent by email, and candidates will need to monitor their inbox/spam/junk email folder regularly to ensure they do not miss any relevant communication.

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency does not sponsor employment visas at the time of hire or during the course of employment. All applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.