The Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) has an opportunity for a professional Procurement Agent to work in our Financial Unit.  The Financial Unit provides accounting and financial support to multiple State agencies.  The individual will work in a team environment and will interact with various state agency administrators and staff.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Under broad supervision, provides in-depth research and analytical support in a variety of procurement activities for a department / unit. Coordinates the purchase of equipment, services, and supplies from established vendors.  Develops bid packages, initiates, and manages bid process according to established procedures, professional standards, and award orders. Manages bid challenges according to procedures established by the Georgia Department of Administrative services (DOAS).  Interviews vendors to obtain information concerning products, price, delivery, and payment terms.  Researches and evaluates new supplies and equipment, and reviews bid proposals from vendors and awards orders. Performs general clerical/secretarial duties to assist in office operations.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration or a directly related field from an accredited college or university AND Two years of experience in a purchasing environment OR Six years of experience in a purchasing environment OR Two years of experience at the lower level Purchase/Procurement Agent 2 (FEP021) or position equivalent.

• Possesses the ability to resolve or mediate purchasing problems. 
• Possesses the ability to work independently with assigned purchasing projects. 
• Demonstrates the ability to use purchasing software to prepare and maintain purchase orders. 
• Ability to review forms to determine that standards and specifications are met. 
• Ability to evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes. 
• Ability to prepare purchase orders, solicit business proposals and review requisitions for goods and service. 
• Ability to assist in the development of standard specifications. 
• Ability to maintain and reviews computerized or manual records of items purchased, costs, delivery, product performance, and inventories. 
• Ability to research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support and the supplier's reputation and history.   
• Ability to perform market research to assist in developing bid specifications. 
• Ability to conduct pre-bid conferences/meetings.  
• Ability to complete and pass State Purchasing Department training courses.   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years of experience performing procurement responsibilities (i.e. developing bid packages, review bid proposals, etc.) within a Georgia state agency.
• Possess the Georgia Certified Purchasing Associate (GCPA) certification.
• Experience with the state purchasing card program.
• Experience using PeopleSoft/TeamWorks Financials.
• Experience with electronic bidding processes. 
• Experience using the Team Georgia Marketplace (TGM) system.