Procurement Manager, Full Time

Connect Transit is celebrating over 50 years of service as the primary public transit system for the Bloomington-Normal area, providing quality transportation to residents, allowing them to live spontaneously. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable transportation and access to opportunity to strengthen and enrich individual lives, our community, the economy, and the environment. All of our employees are vital in supporting this mission, read on to see how you can be part of it too!

Job Description:

As the Procurement Manager for Connect Transit you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a consistent organization-wide purchasing and procurement process that is compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as company policy. You will also lead Connect’s grant applications and management of grant awards.

Wages:

• $65,000 - $80,000 dependent on qualifications

What We Offer:

• Medical insurance: Connect Transit will pay 100% of employee premium and 65% of dependent premiums
• Dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plans, employer contribution of 5%
• Tuition reimbursement available
• Free bus pass for employees and immediate family members
• A team atmosphere with Trainers, Supervisors, and coworkers who want to see you succeed in your job

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Manages all aspects of the procurement process while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develops and implements professional, ethical, and effective procurement practices.
• Develops and regularly updates short and long-term capital plans, working closely with all departments to capture their current and future needs.
• Plans, develops, and procures professional services, materials, parts, supplies, and equipment in a timely and cost-effective way while maintaining appropriate quality standards and specifications.
• Assists departments in the development of technical specifications for formal and informal procurements.
• Directs the production and distribution of formal and informal procurements, including Requests for Quotations, Requests for Proposals, Invitations for Bids, and Requests for Statements of Qualifications.
• Prepares contract agreements, supplemental agreements, change orders, and purchase orders.
• Hosts and conducts various meetings as required by procurement or grant activities.
• Reviews and analyzes proposals and bids to ensure compliance and specification requirements are met.
• Manages evaluation process for formal procurements.
• Prepares and presents recommendations for contract award to Board of Trustees.
• Serves as the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer (DBELO)
• Serves as liaison between departments, contractors, and consultants.
• Responsible for oversight of capital projects, contractual financial data, and grant reconciliation.
• Monitors and reports subcontractor participation and payments.
• Makes recommendations to modify existing purchasing policies to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and prepares appropriate documentation for review and approval by Connect Transit management and Board of Trustees.
• Approves purchase requisitions and issues purchase orders in accordance with company policy and negotiated terms and conditions.
• Tracks purchase orders as needed, determines the reason for delays or other problems and follows up as required.
• Develops recommendations and implements strategies for using annual supply agreements for goods and services purchased on multiple occasions throughout the fiscal year.
• Works with departments as needed to ensure orders meet agreed upon contract prices and terms when ordering materials and services.
• Works with all departments to identify project needs, then identifies grant opportunities to support those needs.
• Develops competitive grants applications to seek funding for unfunded projects.
• Creates and manages grant awards in appropriate funding partner databases.
• Maintains procurement and grant files.
• Assist with triennial review and NTD updates as needed.
• Maintains, supports, and promotes a safe work environment while complying with Connect Transit safety rules, policies, and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in purchasing, buying, contracting, or similar role.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field is preferred. A combination of education, certifications and work experience may be considered in place of a degree.
• Acceptable driving record. (No serious traffic or license violations within the last five years)
• Successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug test.
• Ability to:

• handle highly confidential information.
• maintain excellent attendance.
• manage time effectively.
• maintain flexibility and respond to changing priorities.
• learn new procedures, where to look for information, retain information for use again.
• understand and apply procurement laws governing the State of Illinois and Federal Transit Administration funded entities.
• work independently yet take verbal and written direction.
• work when needed, including nights, weekends, and early mornings.
• utilize research and report preparation methods.
• apply theories, principles, and practices of contracting and procurement.
• use various business software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• administer requisition and RFP processes and procedures.
• apply research and report preparation methods.
• compile and analyze complex data.
• communicate effectively in writing, in person, as well as via phone and email.
• listen effectively and respond appropriately.
• interact professionally with various levels of Connect Transit employees and outside representatives.
• prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence.
• be decisive when applying company policies and procedures.
• meet tight time constraints and deadlines.
• analyze situations, identify problems, and recommend solutions.
• exercise judgment and creativity in making decisions.
• implement policies and procedures.
• manage a project from design to development, implementation, and close-out.
• meet the physical demands required of this position.

* Connect Transit provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

*EEO/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability.