JOB TITLE: COMMODITY SPECIALIST, DGS

JOB CODE: 02835

DEFINITION: This is professional administrative work within the Department of General Services (DGS) in the procurement of a wide variety of commodities for the commonwealth.

An employee in this job coordinates supply chain management activities, develops and implements sourcing strategies, and manages contracts and the supply base for assigned commodities. Work involves collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data to develop supply chain profiles; researching sourcing locations; and determining inventory supplies and transportation costs. Work includes identifying supply chain cost drivers to develop an understanding of market mechanisms and industry practices and improve supplier performance and streamline costs. Work also includes establishing forums to share knowledge and develop strategic commodity plans; determining the using agency goods and service requirements and specifications; preparing procurement documents; assisting with contract negotiations; preparing and maintaining supplier contracts; and providing input for special purchases. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed for adherence to established standards and results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Collects and analyzes commodity data to develop an understanding of market dynamics and agency needs pertaining to assigned goods and services.

• Promotes competition among suppliers in accordance with market dynamics and agency needs.

• Conducts qualitative and quantitative supplier analyses.

• Participates in the development of strategic commodity plans for assigned commodities and monitors conformance to the established plan.

• Establishes agency-wide forums with procurement and agency subject matter experts and customers to gather and assess agency requirements and establish a team approach to commodity and contract management.

• Develops procurement methods and contract terms with potential suppliers and communicates recommendations to agency representatives and suppliers.

• Participates in the development of fact-based negotiation strategies and assists in conducting negotiations with suppliers.

• Develops and maintains supplier contracts and monitors agency compliance.

• Manages supplier relationships, tracks supplier performance, and communicates supplier performance feedback.

• Monitors supplier corrective action plans for improvements in quality, delivery, and inventory performance.

• Identifies cost factors associated with the purchase of commodities and commodity specific cost savings strategies.

• Identifies sourcing opportunities with small diverse business suppliers, and monitors supplier spending within assigned commodities.

• Provides direction to and works closely with commodity team and other procurement staff.

• Reviews procurement requests and provides recommendations for specialized purchasing, such as emergency purchases and sole source purchases.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of procurement practices and methods.

• Knowledge of technical writing and contract principles.

• Knowledge of standards and evaluation methods used to assess the quality and value of a wide variety of commodities.

• Knowledge of marketing practices and pricing methods.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to analyze competitive bids, determine the appropriate procurement method, and coordinate procurement activities and supplier relations to obtain the best purchasing value for the commonwealth.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data, standards, and grade levels related to procurement.

• Ability to negotiate for the acquisition of commodities.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Two years of experience as a Purchasing Agent (commonwealth title);

or

• One year of experience as a Purchasing Agent Supervisor or Procurement Specialist 1 (commonwealth title);

or

• Five years of strategic procurement experience, which includes researching and evaluating commodities and suppliers;

or

• One year of strategic procurement experience and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.