Senior Buyer, Commodities

About the Role

 The Procurement Department is seeking a self-motivated individual to join the Commodities and Services Division. The ideal candidate will be experienced in developing procurement strategies and implementing different source selection techniques, providing insight and guidance to internal clients on how best to achieve their needs, a team player who is flexible, able to multi-task, work with integrity, and demonstrate professional and ethical behavior with fair and transparent decision making.

The Senior Buyer will be able to lead teams, drive work assignments to effective and efficient conclusions, and handle a diverse portfolio of important and critical projects with some assignments working independently and others being team based.

The job generally consists of all phases of procurement related tasks from requisition to contract award, including but not limited to consulting with client departments and formulating procurement strategy, reviewing scopes of work, pricing methodology, contract terms, developing solicitation packages, evaluating offers, and negotiating agreements. The Senior Buyer will utilize technology-based recording and reporting systems to analyze information.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Program Director of the Commodities and Services Division, the Senior Buyer's responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Facilitating and leading all aspects of strategic sourcing, procurement processes and negotiations for high-impact commodities and complex services.
• Utilizing the most effective procurement methods for the request such as bids, request for proposal (RFP) and request for information (RFI);
• Serving as the lead for service categories such as Refuse Removal, Recycling, Hazardous Waste, Medical, Towing, Pest Control, Operations and Maintenance, HVAC, Landscaping and other facilities related services across all areas of business including Rail, Ports, Aviation, Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals, and Warehouses.
• Reviewing and providing targeted, market driven feedback on scopes, price sheets and solicitation documents to ensure accuracy and clarity.
• Negotiate and award contracts in accordance with the Agency's objectives, guidelines and policies; and receive necessary approvals, as needed
• Cost/price management and cost/price structure analysis.
• Assists Departments with the development and review of policy Memoranda of Justification and Memoranda of Authorization documents.
• Lead procurements related to the agency's Net Zero Roadmap.
• Developing and implementing strategies to increase participation and awards to the Agency's certified vendor community.
• Ensures compliance with the Agency's Small Contracts Program for Minority Business Enterprises/Woman-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) and the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) set-aside procurements.
• Participate in outreach events serving as the Agency's Procurement representative.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and three years' progressively responsible procurement experience.
• Minimum of five years' procurement experience may be substituted in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.
• Working knowledge of procurement best practices inclusive of sourcing methods.
• Demonstrated experience with procurements and an ability to effectively interpret and work with contract terms and related documents.
• Experience in reviewing and effectively editing scopes of work, price sheets and other related procurement documents.
• Proven market knowledge and general market research and negotiation skills.
• Experience in leading teams, developing and maintaining project schedules and delivering completed work product on time in a fast-paced environment

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with complex procurement processes.
• Experience leading the Request For Proposals (RFP) process.
• Experience with procurements funded by third-party sources, grants and loans.
• Experience in the planning and/or implementation of local, minority, woman, disadvantaged, service-disabled veteran or small business enterprise programs related to procurement.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, excellent oral and written; communication skills combined with the ability to maintain effective relationships internally and externally with a strong customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated experience handling multiple assignments and heavy workload while meeting tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Possession of one of the following: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience in drafting and analyzing contract terms and ability to work with legal staff on terms.
• Experience navigating and effectively using electronic procurement and sourcing tools such as SAP.
• Demonstrated experience with standard business software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Office 365, etc.

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

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