Job Description
Innovation allows an organization to make the most of every dollar spent. At Virginia’s Community Colleges System (VCCS), our compelling mission, our ambitious strategic plan and our fiscal realities challenge us to ensure that community college resources are maximized for the priority of student success and credential completion.
Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, the VCCS Shared Services Center is centrally located to all 23 colleges in the VCCS, 43 miles from Blacksburg, VA, and a four-hour drive from Washington, D.C. A vital part of the ever-growing Roanoke Valley, Daleville is a haven for tourists and residents alike. Within an hour’s drive are the breathtaking Smith Mountain Lake, world-famous Appalachian Trail, and many other outdoor activities, including golfing, biking, and hiking. The thriving Historic City Market in downtown Roanoke and the Daleville Town Center and Performance Pavilion also host farmers markets, community and cultural events, and festivals throughout the year.
The VCCS Shared Services Center is an innovation strategy to advance the priority of student success, reduce the administrative burden on individual colleges, consolidate transaction-based functions, create economies of scale, and improve backroom process efficiency. This work allows the VCCS to better focus resources on the students – helping them start their educational journeys, persist, and succeed.
Under their direct supervisor the Buyer Specialist performs transactional purchases for a wide variety of goods and services for the 23 VCCS colleges, the System Office and the Shared Services Center. The position :
- Receives demand signals and purchases goods and services up to the small purchase threshold
- Ensures that all purchases are performed accurately, timely and in accordance with applicable state laws & policies and VCCS policies
- Employs best business practices to continuously improve performance, compliance, efficiency and effectiveness
Special Assignments
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's / Required Qualifications KSA’s :
Ability to execute simple to moderately complex purchases of supplies, equipment, and servicesAbility to proficiently use automated procurement systems (e-procurement) to review and process requisitions through to a purchase order and acknowledgmentAbility to analyze quotes, bids and make appropriate purchasing decisionsAbility to fully manage procurement process for assignments from the need through the purchase order, including order status and invoicing discrepanciesAbility to exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and attend to detail in a fast pace, team oriented and customer service oriented environmentAbility to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.Ability to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers in a professional mannerAbility to complete assignments following procedures & processes within the policies & lawsAbility to express thoughts clearly both verbally and in writingAbility to maintain confidentialityAbility to use the computer hardware and software required, including proficiency in MS OfficeMinimum Qualifications :
Multiple years of customer service or team-oriented work experience or a combinationMinimal buying experience such as experience with purchasing, vendor management, inventory management, negotiations, market research, or project coordinationCurrent Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire; see for more information on VCA certificationAdditional Considerations Additional considerations :
Procurement experience in higher education and / or state governmentKnowledge of governmental procurement principles and ability to follow procurement policy and standard operating proceduresKnowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia & VCCS procurement policies (VPPA, APSPM, etc.)Knowledge of eVA (state procurement system) and AIS / PeopleSoftProfessional procurement certification(s) : Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO), Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB), Certified E-Procurement Professional (CEPP) or other nationally recognized procurement certificationsOperation of a State Vehicle No Supervises Employees No Required Travel Less than 5%.