Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
We are looking for an experienced Procurement Specialist to support strategic purchasing and contracting activities in Minnesota. This contract opportunity is ideal for a detail-oriented individual who can balance regulatory compliance, vendor management, and cost-conscious purchasing across a public-sector or transit-related environment. The role will partner with internal teams to source goods and services efficiently, maintain accurate procurement records, and help strengthen purchasing practices through sound analysis and process oversight.
Responsibilities:
- Lead purchasing and contract administration activities while ensuring adherence to applicable federal, state, and local requirements, as well as organizational procurement standards.
- Prepare and manage competitive solicitation packages such as bid requests, proposal requests, information requests, qualification-based documents, and related procurement materials.
- Oversee purchase order workflows and related purchasing activity to confirm policy compliance and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency and control.
- Maintain complete, organized procurement files and supporting records so documentation is ready for audits, reviews, and reporting needs.
- Partner with department leaders to understand operational purchasing needs and identify practical, cost-effective sourcing solutions for goods and services.
- Review quotes, bids, contracts, and supporting documentation to verify alignment with procurement rules, internal policies, and ethical purchasing practices.
- Evaluate suppliers based on pricing, service quality, reliability, capabilities, and prior performance, and build productive vendor relationships that support value and consistency.
- Negotiate favorable pricing, discounts, and other cost-saving terms with suppliers while monitoring procurement activity against budget expectations.
- Coordinate with inventory support functions to help maintain appropriate stock levels and ensure timely availability of required materials.
- Administer purchasing accounts and monitor purchasing card activity to ensure proper approvals, spending control, and compliance with established procedures.
- 5+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or contract administration.
- Strong knowledge of corporate procurement practices, buying processes, and purchase order management.
- Experience developing and managing competitive sourcing documents, including RFPs, RFQs, bids, and related solicitation materials.
- Background working with contract negotiations, vendor management, and cost analysis to support budget-conscious purchasing decisions.
- Familiarity with procurement compliance requirements in regulated environments, including federal, county government, or other public-sector settings.
- Ability to review contracts, quotes, and procurement documentation with a high level of accuracy and attention to policy adherence.
- Proficiency with procurement systems or software used for tracking purchasing activity, documentation, and reporting.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external suppliers.