ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

At Polk State, our amazing faculty and staff create an inspiring workplace. This Director, Procurement Services position reports to the Vice President, Finance and is an excellent opportunity within the College’s Business Services department. We offer a collaborative, creative and culturally diverse work environment. If you want to be supported in your efforts to grow professionally and to be recognized for your contributions, then come work for Polk State.

SOAR, EAGLES!

ABOUT THE POSITION:

This is a professional support position reporting to the Vice President, Finance. The position is responsible for the supervision of the college purchasing and contract management. Work requires the analysis of complex problems, planning of various interrelated activities, and the coordination of effort of multiple projects or functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Direct and provide leadership for the overall Purchasing department operation.
• Prepare and review purchase actions and contracts, apply knowledge of legal descriptions and procedures.
• Supervise Purchasing staff that query markets, validates prices, and procures supplies and services.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures including writing/updating the Purchasing Manual, pertinent DBOT Rules and College Procedures. Review payment requests against purchasing authorizations, when requested.
• Recommend improvements to purchasing administrative system.
• Ensure compliance with State and College rules, regulations, procedures and law.
• Write/administer formal procurements. Supervise all bid openings.
• Ensure training is provided for user departments regarding purchasing procedures.
• Ensure appropriate professional development of purchasing staff.
• Review and determine appropriate resolution of Bid Protests.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of purchasing, contract law, and procurement management.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with a variety of individuals within and outside of the college, frequently in professional and administrative positions.
• Knowledge of state laws pertaining to purchasing management, contract law, the Uniform Commercial Code and pertinent State Board of Education Rules.
• Ability to prepare/write/administer invitations to bid, requests for proposals, requests for qualifications, specifications, scope of work, and contracts. Serve as Chairman of RFP/RFQ evaluation teams. Serves as the College’s contracting officer and as a resource regarding purchasing and contracting issues. Handle all protests and vendor grievances. Confer with departments in determining needs (specifications and/or Scope of Work) for complex procurements.
• Determine appropriate method of procurement for all purchases.
• Author and ensure regular updates of the Purchasing Manual, pertinent College Procedures and DBOT Rules, vendor guidebooks, and internal purchasing procedures.
• Author, review, and update as required ITB, RFP, RFQ and contract standard language and special terms and conditions.
• Ability to work independently with the responsibility for planning details of procedure and methods to obtain definite objectives and to make decisions within broad limitations of policy and professional standards.
• Ability to work cooperatively with college personnel.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in business or a related field is required.

Preferred Education

Certification as a CPPO (Certified Public Procurement Officer) or C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager) preferred.

A minimum of Four (4) years of experience in professional- level, exempt purchasing management is required.

Preferred Experience

Preference for public purchasing experience, particularly public higher education purchasing experience

We offer an excellent employer-paid benefits package including the following: Medical, Dental, Life, Long-Term Disability, Vacation (except faculty), Holiday and Sick Leave, Retirement (if eligible) and college fee waivers. Other employee-paid, voluntary benefits (vision, short-term disability, etc.) are also available.

Important Information:

• Application Requirements:A completed online application consists of:
  • a resume, and
  • an electronic job application (all sections completed).

Submissions that do not include all required information will not be considered.

• Background Screening:Reference checks, successful completion of a Level II background check (fingerprinting), and third-party Education Verification for all stated degrees will be required prior to employment.

• Non-Instructional/Staff Transcripts: For professional/salaried positions, uploading of unofficial transcript(s) (with confidential information redacted) during the application process is welcomed, but not required. However, please note that education verification will be completed, for all stated degrees, on or before an interview. Submission of official transcripts for Administrator positions (P17 and above), for all stated degrees, is required as a condition of employment, following receipt of a job offer.

• Foreign Transcripts: All international degrees must have their coursework evaluated in terms of U.S. "equivalency." Polk State College requires that all international credential evaluations be conducted by one of the companies affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES®). More information about NACES® affiliates can be obtained at the NACES® website.

• Relocation:Polk State College does NOT provide relocation assistance for this position.

• This position will remain open until filled.

NOTE: We encourage applicants to provide feedback of their experience or request help at Careers@polk.edu.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with State of Florida agency like Polk State College. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement and the date of your re-employment.

As a rule, Polk State College does not provide H1-B visa sponsorship. Exceptions may be made based on the College's need for a candidate with unique skills and expertise and where the College cannot otherwise recruit and hire qualified non-sponsored candidates.

Polk State College is a drug-free workplace and participates in E-Verify.

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment. For questions or concerns on equity issues, please contact: Lonnie Thompson, Chief Diversity Officer; 999 Avenue H, NE; Winter Haven, FL 33881; Office: 863.292.3602 Ext. 5343; lthompso@polk.edu.

Polk State College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you feel you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with Polk State, please call 863-297-1070 or e-mail Careers@polk.edu and let us know the nature of your request, along with your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will receive a response.