Purchasing Specialist

$35.46 - $54.26 Hourly

On July 30, 2024, the City Council approved a 3.62% cost-of-living increase for full-time employees in certain pay groups. The salary listed above has been updated to reflect the increase.

Note: The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City’s step placement policy.

Important Application Information: Completion of the supplemental questions is required. Applicant responses to supplemental questions must specifically answer the questions asked. Responses to supplemental questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume. Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to supplemental questions have not been provided.

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION

This position responsible for all procurement for the Department of Airports.

JOB SUMMARY 

This position is located in Airports Financial Management Division of the Airport Department within the City of Oklahoma City. The Purchasing Specialist is primarily responsible for supervising and coordinating activities of staff and assisting with the overall operations and management of procurement services within a department. The Purchasing Specialist will frequently represent the department on various committees and at meetings with City departmental or divisional staff and serve as primary contact for contractors and vendors. Essential job functions include: supervising staff; participating in and coordinating overall staff activities involving the procurement of equipment, supplies, and services; participating in the development and preparation of the divisional budget, goals and objectives; providing alternatives and recommendations to solve complex purchasing problems; ensuring that purchasing activities are in compliance with City, departmental, and divisional policies and procedures; recommending bid awards; and maintaining effective work relationships with outside vendors and City staff at all levels of the organization. The employee's work assignments are both general and specific in nature and may be received in verbal or written form. Work products are subject to review by the supervisor through conferences, staff reports, inspection of work records and for compliance with established goals or objectives.

VETERANS PREFERENCE

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Knowledge of governmental purchasing policies, procedures, and work methods. Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations governing governmental purchasing programs.  Skill in coordinating the purchase of material, equipment, supplies, and services.  Skill in communicating verbally and in writing using tact and diplomacy.  Ability to supervise.  Ability to apply general administrative and management techniques. Ability to evaluate current programs and systems and implement system improvements.  Ability to prepare and present oral and written reports and statistical information.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.  Ability and willingness to maintain confidentiality.  Ability to travel.  Willingness to enforce established purchasing rules, regulations, and policies.  Willingness to assume responsibility for the work performed and decisions made. 

DEPARTMENTAL PREFERENCES

Experience in the use of ERP Systems and Microsoft Suite Applications. Ability to meet and interface with vendors, contractors, tenants, consultants, staff and other interested parties to exchange information, explain and interpret standards and resolve differences. Ability to interpret and use oral and written instructions, specifications, sketches, and blueprints to prepare solicitation documents, scopes of work or services, analyze and negotiate proposals and write contracts and change orders. Airport Experience a plus.

COMPETENCIES

Execution and Results: (1) Sets well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others; (2) displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work; (3) completes assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and delivers results; (4) works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior; (5) demonstrates understanding of all aspects of the job and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities; technical knowledge; skill in the techniques, equipment, procedures, and work required; (6) recognizes opportunities and takes action for improvement to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (7) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (8) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (9) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results; (10) effectively achieves results through others to achieve the Department or City's mission. Judgment: (1) Plans, coordinates, and executes business functions efficiently, effectively, and in a fiscally responsible manner; (2) identifies risks and develops and implements measures to avoid, mitigate, or minimize those risks; (3) makes effective, timely, well-informed, objective, and transparent work-related decisions; (4) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (5) uses resources effectively to achieve results aligned with organizational priorities; (6) applies understanding of financial management/budgeting principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible and in accordance with policies, procedures, processes, rules, regulations, and laws; (7) makes business decisions that drive positive, fiscally responsible performance; (8) manages ambiguity, business insight, financial acumen, makes decisions using data and insight that achieves the best outcome for the department and City. Teamwork/Team Oriented: (1) Recognizes, values, and leverages the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others; (2) participates willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member; (3) builds consensus; fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust; (4) collaborates with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results; (5) expresses facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy and in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; (6) actively listens, clarifies information as needed. Customer Centric: (1) Demonstrates commitment to public service; (2) serves and satisfies internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner; (3) establishes, commits to, and maintains high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers; (4) supports the Department/City's mission; develops and executes strategies with the customer in mind. Strategic Thinking: (1) Thinks conceptually, imaginatively, and systematically; (2) envisions the future; (3) defines the vision, direction, and goals; (4) develops a road map for achievement; (5) anticipates change and plans for it; (6) considers long-term value and consequences; (7) influences others to achieve results; (8) understands where the organization is headed; knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work; (9) aligns business strategies to long-term success of the City; (10) sets the vision, direction and compelling course of action; (11) operates effectively within the systems, programs, policies, procedures, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations of the organization; (12) knows industry and stays ahead of best practices; (13) understands the political environment, management priorities, staff roles and responsibilities, and grasps external factors impacting the organization; (14) identifies when issues need to be escalated to higher authorities and effectively alerts appropriate officials. Leads Through Influence: (1) Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; (2) gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals; (3) works with others towards achieving agreements that may involve exchanging resources or resolving differences; (4) understands the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort including those actively involved; (5) leads through influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative). Commitment to Continuous Improvement: (1) Recognizes opportunities for improvement with regard to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (2) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (3) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (4) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results. Agility: (1) Values collaboration, communication, and feedback and is flexible and open to new ideas; (2) learns rapidly and transforms learning into action; (3) examines processes and practices to perform work most effectively; (4) demonstrates courage and willingness to take calculated risks; (5) assesses readiness; proposes new approaches, methods, and technologies plans, implements, and evaluates change in a transparent, positive, and thoughtful manner; (6) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (7) rapidly adapts to change and leads others through change, while producing tangible results and identifying new opportunities. Talent Development: (1) Provides tools, materials, equipment, and resources; (2) provides performance feedback, coaching, mentoring, encouragement, and support; (3) discusses personal and professional goals; (4) provides formal and informal learning and development opportunities that support achievement of personal and professional goals; (5) attracts and develops talent; (6) manages performance throughout the department or City; (7) sets the leadership tone for area of responsibility. Note: This competency is not applicable for employees who are not supervisors. Inclusive Leadership: (1) Fosters a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where individual differences are valued, and employees feel a sense of belonging; (2) seeks to know and learn about others; welcomes diversity in ideas, perspectives, and thoughts; understands and respects values, attitudes, and beliefs of others; (3) seeks to build diverse teams through inclusive hiring practices (ensures opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds and demonstrates a commitment to hiring the most qualified candidates); (4) cultivates engagement, team building, collaboration; (5) instills trust; (6) recognizes contributions and celebrates accomplishments; (7) promotes the advancement of all employees including those of marginalized identities (e.g., coaching, mentoring, providing personal and professional development opportunities); (8) actively participates in and encourages others to participate in diversity and inclusion programming and/or training; (9) strategically integrates inclusion into business practices and decisions; (10) demonstrates respect, inclusiveness, understanding, tact, diplomacy, and professionalism in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others; (11) effectively manages one's own feelings and emotions; (12) builds diverse teams, promotes advancement of marginalized employees, participates and encourages participation of I&D initiatives. Note: This competency is not applicable for employees who are not supervisors. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Primarily indoors in climate-controlled environment.  Occasional local or out-of-town travel to meetings, conferences, or seminars.  Occasionally required to work beyond normal work hours or the scheduled work week. 

Note: Typical City employee working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, working hours vary (may require work to begin before 8:00 a.m. and/or end beyond 5:00 p.m., and/or may require work on weekends and holidays), and are subject to change, based on the duties and location of the position and the business needs of the assigned work unit/department.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Near vision enough to read and draft written and machine generated communications or reports.  Speech and hearing enough to communicate clearly and distinctly in person and by telephone. 

OTHER DETAILS

Note: Employees assigned to the Airports Department must successfully pass a thorough TSA background check, including fingerprinting.

Attachments: Applicants may upload only two attachments. Applicants may choose to combine documents into one file for upload.

Pay Method: City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.

Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination: Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.

If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants. 

If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test.

If the position accepted is cyber security sensitive, internal and external applicants will be subject to a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check. Additionally, employees in this job classification must complete Level 4 Security Awareness Training and pass an online certification test.

If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination. 

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