Buyer Specialist

Under their direct supervisor the Buyer Specialist performs transactional purchases for a wide variety of goods and services for the 23 VCCS colleges, the System Office and the Shared Services Center. The position:Receives demand signals and purchases goods and services up to the small purchase thresholdEnsures that all purchases are performed accurately, timely and in accordance with applicable state laws & policies and VCCS policiesEmploys best business practices to continuously improve performance, compliance, efficiency and effectiveness KSA’s: Ability to:execute simple to moderately complex purchases of supplies, equipment, and servicesproficiently use automated procurement systems (e-procurement) to review and process requisitions through to a purchase order and acknowledgmentanalyze quotes and bids and make appropriate purchasing decisionsfully manage procurement process for assignments from the need through the purchase order, including order status and invoicing discrepanciesexercise sound judgment, solve problems, and attend to detail in a fast pace, team oriented and customer service-oriented environmentwork effectively with a wide range of constituenciesprovide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers in a professional mannercomplete assignments following procedures & processes within the policies & lawsexpress thoughts clearly both verbally and in writingmaintain confidentialityuse the computer hardware and software required, including proficiency in MS Office Minimum Qualifications:Multiple years of customer service or team-oriented work experience or a combinationMinimal buying experience such as experience with purchasing, vendor management, inventory management, negotiations, market research, or project coordinationCurrent Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire; see https://vip.dgs.virginia.gov/ for more information on VCA certification Additional considerations:Knowledge of governmental procurement principles and ability to follow procurement policy and standard operating proceduresKnowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia & VCCS procurement policies (VPPA, APSPM, etc.)Knowledge of eVA (state procurement system) and AIS/PeopleSoftProfessional procurement certification(s): Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO), Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB), Certified E-Procurement Professional (CEPP) or other nationally recognized procurement certifications Hybrid telework available! Sponsorship will not be offered for this position. The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/ The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors. The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested. VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.