WORK OBJECTIVE:

This is highly responsible management, administrative and supervisory work supporting the central procurement of the Authority. An employee in this class is responsible for organizing, coordinating and directing programs and activities of the procurement function including the supervision and development of the procurement staff. Duties include reviewing and updating the Procurement and Materials Management Systems and developing departmental goals, policies and procedures. Work requires a high degree of initiative and judgment and is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Procurement & Supply Chain and is reviewed by observation of results obtained, periodic reports and conferences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position. • Plan, assign, train, supervise and evaluate the work of the procurement staff. • Lead strategy development and determine department priorities. • Develop and implement department goals and objectives, plans, procedures, and practices. • Develop projections of goods and services required for each budget year. • Direct and oversee the procurement function in keeping aligned with Procurement Guidelines, Policies and Procedures ensuring that procurement processes and procedures encourage competition and minimize the cost of goods and services. • Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations. • Review and approve all procurement packages prior to release, review tabulations and make recommendations for awards. • Review and approve all Purchase Orders prior to release (in absence of Director of Procurement). • Initiate and/or provide strategic direction and maintain contracts for major Authority-wide procurements of products and services. When appropriate, combine requirements of all operating units and manage the procurement process. • Lead RFP evaluation teams. • Represents the department to suppliers, users, and other interested parties to ensure communication of pertinent data and awareness of mutual obligations or regulations. • Recommend and implement approved changes in policy and procedures as necessary to meet continually varying requirements. • Recommend, approve and initiate changes relative to the Procurement and Materials Management Systems. • Advise and assist departments in the development of specifications and coordinate the purchasing function between departments and suppliers. • Coordinate with the Inventory Control Team to monitor vendor performance, develop sourcing plans, and perform inventory level reviews (i.e. inventory turns). Recommend changes in stocking levels due to lead time, quantity discounts, etc. • Develop the annual budget and long-range capital budget plan for the department. Implement and allocate resources following budget approval and approve expenditures. • Identify and propose technology solutions that optimize the P2P process by driving efficiencies and organizational effectiveness. Recommend updates to procurement software systems. • Lead scheduled ERP upgrades by participating in value stream mapping activities and coordinating testing requirements. • Perform in-depth research and analysis of procurement and materials requirements and maintain appropriate records and files of procurement and materials management’s activities. • Resolution of issues or problems involving material delivery and contract administration. • Review contractual terms and conditions to ensure compliance with company guidelines. • Perform cost and price analyses to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. • Identify opportunities for cost savings through standardization, consolidation, cooperative purchasing, and management of inventory levels. • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement initiatives by utilizing CI processes/tools and problem-solving techniques. • Develop and maintain positive and effective relationships with vendors. • Perform additional duties and tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Knowledge of purchasing and materials management procedures, methods, best practices and general laws, rules and regulations governing the purchase of commodities and services. Knowledge of commodities, their prices, standards of quality, and variety. Knowledge of accounting principles as they relate to procurement and maintenance of inventory records. Knowledge of operating characteristics, capabilities and limitations of automated information equipment utilized in data and word processing applications. Working Knowledge and in-depth understanding of Enterprise Resource and Asset Management as it relates to the procurement and materials management functions. Ability to conduct negotiations and interpret contracting requirements and other related legal documents. Ability to direct the work of the procurement staff. Ability to prepare reports concerning purchasing and materials management practices and maintain detailed records. Knowledge of auditing concepts and strategies. Ability to maintain amicable relations among staff, other departments, Authority officials, suppliers and the general public. Must have excellent writing and communication skills. Strong collaboration skills and ability to prioritize/multitask assigned tasks within committed time frames.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in usual office conditions with rare exposure to disagreeable environmental factors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field. MBA or MS Engineering highly preferred. • Ten (10) years of experience in progressively responsible management of procurement operations and supply chain deployment functions including the direct supervision of procurement and supply chain personnel. • Three (3) years of contract experience in drafting, analyzing, amending, and negotiating. • Experience using a complex computerized purchasing system including system implementation experience. • Skilled in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. • Project Management Experience is a plus.

NOTE:

TO APPLY: Send NFTA employment application, resume and cover letter specifying the job number 099-23-N to: NFTA Human Resources 181 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203 Or email to: application_intake@nfta.com

OTHER:

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer