Senior Procurement Specialist / Senior Contracts Specialist

RETAINED - Senior Procurement Specialist / Senior Contracts Specialist

Our client, Richmond International Airport, is expanding and currently seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist / Senior Contracts Specialist in Richmond, Virginia. Our client is a very innovative and rapidly growing group who are searching for individuals to join their team who are open-minded, who are adaptive and who enjoy collaboration. This organization has an accessible leadership team who fosters a strong company culture and who encourages out-of-the -box thinking.

Richmond International Airport is a joint civil-military airport located in Sandston, Virginia. This airport is the busiest airport in central Virginia and the third busiest in the state behind Washington Reagan and Washington Dulles. Established in 1975, by an act of the Virginia General Assembly, the Capital Region Airport Commission owns and operates Richmond International Airport (RIC). The Commission directs the growth operation business activities of RIC and works tirelessly to ensure it continues to be an affordable option for local regional and out-of-state travelers. Their culture is one that encourages growth, not only for our airport, but also for their employees.

Location : Greater Richmond, Virginia

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Senior Procurement Specialist plays a critical role in obtaining the necessary goods, services and / or construction requirements to support the organization’s needs in an ethical manner to ensure the integrity of the Procurement process. The Senior Procurement Specialist is responsible for collaborating closely with the Procurement Manager, as well as the Procurement team, to meet the strategic and operational goals of Richmond Airport. This position is critical in driving effective procurement practices, fostering relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and policies. The Senior Procurement Specialist will leverage their expertise to optimize procurement processes, enhance operational efficiency, and support the airport’s mission of delivering exceptional services while promoting diversity and sustainability in procurement activities. The Senior Procurement Specialist role will be to review and analyze assigned procurement requisitions or projects and execute the most appropriate method of procurement to be utilized and conduct those procurements in accordance with the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA), and local policies and procedures set forth by the commission.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work closely with the Procurement Manager, airport management, government agencies, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to align procurement strategies with operational needs.Conduct market research to identify best practices and industry trends for the development of scopes of work, specifications, evaluation criteria, and favorable contract terms and conditions for aviation-related goods and services.
• Solicit, evaluate, negotiate and ensure the timely execution of contracts for various airport goods, professional and nonprofessional services.
• Ensure procurements comply with aviation regulations, safety standards, environmental guidelines, the Commissions business diversity goals and DBE / ACDBE requirements.
• Oversee the end-to-end procurement process, including purchase requisitions, approvals, and order placement, for projects assigned by the Procurement Manager.
• Implement best procurement practices to optimize cost, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Facilitate cross-department collaboration to ensure procurement needs are being met.
• Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on procurement policies and procedures, including during the solicitation and evaluation process.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and reports for internal and external audits.
• Identify and report on any Cost Savings measures. Provide report to the Procurement Manager after each procurement.
• Manage and conduct innovative, complex procurements.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct pre-bid / pre-proposal conferences.
• Review and analyze justifications for award / non-award to ensure the integrity of the procurement procedure(s).
• Identify and evaluate any benefits of utilizing cooperative procurements.
• Work with the commission’s legal counsel during the development of contracts and any contract disputes.
• Be a responsible fiscal steward of the commission.
• REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or related field.
• At least five (5+) years of experience in public sector procurement, performing complex procurements, contract administration or an equivalent combination of training and experience required.
• Experience using Commonwealth of Virginia’s e-procurement portal (eVA).
• Required Knowledge, SKILLS, and Abilities : Purchasing and Procurement Knowledge : Knowledge of the practices and procedures for purchasing as well as strategic sourcing principles and practices. Knowledge of automated purchasing processes including electronic requisitioning, purchase orders, etc. Experience in processing (cradle-to-grave) Invitation for Bids (IFB’s) and Request for Proposals RFP’s). Demonstrate ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures; negotiate with vendors and communicate with divisional personnel in procurement activities.
• Professionalism : Ability to collaborate and lead various teams in a professional manner.
• Communication Skills : Strong communication and training skills to onboard non-technical users onto financial platforms. Demonstrated ability to lead / manage projects and processes that involve cross-divisional personnel both internally and externally.
• Customer Service Skills : Skillfully provide customer service to a variety of employee levels with emphasis placed on listening, educating, and demonstrating a culture of civility throughout the organization.
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making : Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems; and the ability to make sound decisions considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions.
• Problem Solving : Ability to recognize complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Interpersonal Skills : Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, other Commission personnel, tenants, other organizations and the public. Ability to always perform work with a positive attitude and in a professional manner.
• Time Management Skills : Ability to work independently, establishing priorities to carry projects through to timely completion and, when necessary, meeting emergency demands.
• Problem Solving : Ability to recognize complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS / LICENSES

Possession of a valid Virginia Driver's License; ability to obtain and maintain eligibility to hold a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge. The person should have the ability to evaluate and learn new systems quickly as they relate to internal processes. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Have or obtain within a year at least of the following : Virginia Contracting Associate Officer (VCA), Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO), Certified Professional Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM). Prefer knowledge in aviation procurement, Virginia procurement guidelines, and / or utilizing the Commonwealth of Virginia’s e-procurement portal (eVA).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF POSITION

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is continuously required to communicate by talking and listening, using fingers and hands, walking, lifting, repetitive motion and sitting. Manual dexterity and coordination are required while operating maintenance and electronic control systems equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This role will be in an office setting but will be around an airport environment with varied personnel work sites including facilities, maintenance shops, airfield movement and non-movement areas and secure areas around the airport. Occasional travel to other locations including workshops, professional meetings, and conferences is required, and occasional participation in evening and weekend events is mandatory.

DISCLAIMER

This description includes the most significant, essential, and auxiliary duties performed by the position. This description is not exhaustive of all tasks and duties. Therefore, other duties may be assigned based on organizational needs and desires. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as organizational needs and requirements of the position evolve.