Assistant Director Of Procurement

About Us

Howard Community College (HCC) is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow! We are proud to have received the Great Colleges to Work For honor for 12 consecutive years, 2009-2020.

Howard Community College values diversity among its faculty, staff and student population. We are an innovative institution that is committed to responding to the ever-changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community. No matter where you want to go in your career, you can get there from here!

Position Title Assistant Director of Procurement FLSA Exempt FT/PT Full Time Hours Per Week 37.5 Work Schedule M-F 8:30-5 Grade 15 Minimum Compensation $65,449 General Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of Procurement manages the day-to-day procurement functions of HCC to ensure that purchases of supplies, equipment, and services are made in accordance with all procurement laws and regulations, and HCC policies and procedures. Additional responsibilities include determining the appropriate procurement methods for the College, working closely with departments to develop highly technical specifications and scope of work documents, spearheading informal and formal procurements, negotiating terms and conditions of contracts, managing select campus wide service contracts, interpreting and analyzing data and circumstances, conducting market research, and managing the College's purchasing card program.

Work Performed

• Provides technical purchasing advice and assistance to departments and suppliers by applying HCC policies and procedures on a case-by-case basis, and assisting with purchasing processes.

• Interfaces with the campus community by working directly with departments to clarify purchase requirements and to advise and strategize available methods and suppliers for purchases.

• Provides formal and informal trainings to staff and faculty on a variety of procurement related subjects.

• Prepares and issues solicitations for quotes, sealed competitive bids, and sealed competitive proposals.

• Develops general and technical requirements and specifications with the assistance of specific users and initiates procurement action utilizing all available methods.

• Conducts solicitation openings, pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences, and evaluation committee meetings. Analyzes documentation for competitive quotes, proposals, and bids; tabulates all information; and determines the lowest, responsible, responsive bidder or best valued proposal; and recommends award of contract. Manages process to finalize award and archive all applicable documentation in accordance with retention policies.

• Manages service contracts for performance, renewal, or extension. Reviews routine purchasing contracts for language compliance with the College's requirements and negotiates with firms to resolve any basic terminology changes

• Supports and promotes continuous improvements for the performance of the College's entire supply chain. Researches and develops strategic sourcing solutions to achieve cost efficiency and streamline purchasing processes.

• Acts as liaison between the College community and vendors. Represents the College at external events including small and minority business fairs, affiliation group meetings, and other events as required. Coordinates supplier relationships on behalf of the College and serves as the initial contact for the vendor community.

• Coordinates the application, training, and transaction maintenance for the purchasing card program and acts as liaison between the College and the bank. Performs random audits of purchasing card transactions. Reconciles and processes monthly payment.

• Manages the College's public, online auction system to sell excess College inventory. Also manages and coordinates a variety of campus wide contracts including the College's office supply program.

• Prepares reports, analyses, and write-ups required for board or presidential review and approval.

• Maintains the College's procurement website and portal to provide complete and accurate information to the College's internal and external community.

• Develops and monitors the controls over the internal process of the procurement department. Analyzes and proposes changes to the area's processes to maximize efficiencies and effectiveness.

• Supervises procurement staff daily on the processing of HCC purchase orders, communication with internal and external constituents, and with functional support to end users for the College's purchasing and procurement card systems. Completes all other duties as necessary in the event of an absence.

• Supports the Director of Procurement as necessary to ensure that all deadlines are met and transactions are completed in a timely fashion. Completes all delegated duties on behalf of the Director in times of absence.

• Fulfills all HCC requirements for annual staff development and diversity functions. Attends professional and technical training as needed to enhance or update skill set and increase understanding of public procurement and purchasing card principles and practices.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Required Bachelor's degree Minimum Number of Years Experience Required 3 Other Knowledge Required

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university or college in business, finance, accounting, economics, public administration, or other related discipline and three years of related experience including one year of supervisory experience.

• Knowledge of public procurement methods, principles, and best practices.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.

• Demonstrated analytical skills to maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to meet work load requirements and deadlines.

• Customer service oriented and responsive to inquiries or requests in a timely and diplomatic manner. Ability to interact tactfully and courteously with vendors, employees, and students to effectively resolve issues and provide support.

• Demonstrated ability to extensively take the initiative to identify issues and resolve problems.

• Ability to learn and apply all HCC purchasing policies and procedures.

• Ability to establish negotiation positions and negotiate contracts with tact and diplomacy.

• Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office applications, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or eProcurement systems, and financial management systems.

• Office equipment skills (computer, scanner, copier, printer, and fax machine)

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Regular attendance is a requirement of this job.

• Performs all duties while considering the impact of any actions on the College's sustainability initiatives in the areas of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic prosperity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience and/or knowledge of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Maryland State Procurement Regulations, Maryland State Finance and Procurement Article, and the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

• Certification in procurement, contract management, or supply chain management by an industry recognized organization.

• Master's degree or higher in business, public administration, law or other related discipline.

• Procurement experience in higher education.

• Experience with Ellucian Colleague or similar ERP platform.

SUPERVISION

• This position provides general supervision to procurement staff on a full-time basis.

Working Conditions

The position requires a great deal of interaction with internal and external constituents.

Supervisory Postion? Yes Division Procurement DEPT - NEW Department Procurement DEPT - NEW