Buyer

About the role

The Buyer performs procurement functions for capital, equipment, materials, small construction, IT/software and various services, identifying sources, issuing solicitations, recommending/selecting vendors, initiating purchase orders, contracts and blanket purchase orders, administering service/maintenance/small construction contracts, and handling special projects under supervision of the Procurement Specialist/Lead and reporting to the Contract Manager.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze purchase requisitions for procurements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on requirements, SOW/specifications, cost proposals, payment milestones, liquidated damages, delivery schedule.
• Recommend procurement methods, contract types, changes/substitutions as needed.
• Develop, recommend, and implement procurement strategies using industry best practices.
• Responsible for assessment of procurement requests and development of solicitation documents for RFQ, IFB, occasional RFPs.
• Develop source lists, advertise procurements, distribute solicitation documents via RTD’s procurement portal (OpenGov).
• Solicit, analyze, and evaluate quotations, bids, proposals; recommend/approve award of contracts/POs/BPOs ensuring compliance with regulatory, organizational, and FTA policies.
• Chair pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences, bid openings, pre-construction conferences, evaluation committee meetings, contract kick‑off meetings.
• For evaluative solicitations, facilitate and oversee technical evaluation committee (direction, NDAs, scorecards, meetings, discussions, capturing strengths/weaknesses, score compilation, vendor demos, oral interviews, negotiations, proposal ranking, award recommendation).
• Perform detailed price/cost analyses; determine need for pre‑award audit/survey.
• Develop pre‑negotiation strategy, conduct negotiations, prepare contract documents.
• Conduct debriefings with unsuccessful proposers.
• Enter data on POs, contracts, changes into Oracle Purchasing System and Contract Database.
• Carry out follow‑up and expediting to ensure delivery and contract performance per PO/contract/BPO terms.
• Practice superior communication with internal departments, external stakeholders, and vendors regarding procurement strategies, status, actions.
• Develop, process, and track contract documents, notices to proceed, amendments, purchase orders.
• Maintain complete and accurate solicitation and contract files and records.
• May assist with agency‑wide and community procurement training.
• Learn and maintain RTD, State, and FTA regulatory knowledge regarding solicitations and contracting (laws, regulations, policies).
• Effectively convey RTD’s vision and mission; provide excellent service to internal/external customers; facilitate public trust and confidence.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Associates Degree in Business or related field preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of procurement‑related experience, preferably in the public sector.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Skills

• Knowledge of creation, processing, and required tasks for various public procurement solicitations, contracts, and contract management.
• Effective negotiation skills.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate information.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and computerized purchasing systems.
• Ability to manage and maintain strong, positive internal and external relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to use sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to manage time and workload effectively (planning, organizing, prioritizing) with exceptional attention to detail.

Benefits

RTD Employee Benefits: https://www.rtd-denver.com/careers/benefits (RTD Represented Employee Benefits: refer to the Labor Agreement included in the above link for details).

Pay

Pay Range: $65,177.00 – $92,062.25 Annual.