12/08/2011 02841

ASSOCIATE COMMODITY MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is professional supervisory supply chain management or complex consultative and administrative work within the Department of General Services in the procurement of a wide variety of commodities for the Commonwealth.

An employee in this job is responsible for supervising supply chain management activities including the development and management of strategic sourcing strategy to meet statewide procurement needs, or
providing professional consultative assistance in leading and administering complex procurement activities to secure goods and services for the Commonwealth. Work involves providing direction and support in the formulation and implementation of strategic commodity plans, teams, councils and associated activities; establishing strategic goals, objectives and timeframes; overseeing research and compilation of industry standards and analyses to achieve best procurement methods and values; and providing supervision or advice to Commodity Specialists on proper procurement methods. Work also includes overseeing the development and maintenance of supplier contracts; preparing negotiation data and conducting contract negotiations; recommending and implementing procurement policies and procedures; and overseeing the review of unacceptable goods and services. Supervisory positions direct a team of Commodity Specialists and technical and associated clerical staff. Complex consultative and administrative procurement work involves providing professional assistance in analyzing industry profiles, recommending and developing policies and procedures, leading formal supplier negotiations, developing and coordinating complicated statewide procurement contracts and cost reduction plans, and troubleshooting issues related to complex procurements. Work is performed independently and is reviewed by a Commodity Manager for effectiveness and adherence to established standards and results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Supervises a strategic procurement group of commodity and procurement business specialists and associated clerical staff responsible for coordinating supply chain management activities.

Researches and oversees the compilation of industry standards, data and analysis to establish commodity and industry profiles and agency requirements.

Provides strategic advice to staff in determining the proper methods of procurement.

Oversees the development and maintenance of supplier contracts.

Resolves agency supplier contract issues and concerns.

Prepares the Commonwealth’s negotiation spreadsheets.

Leads or coordinates negotiation team activities and conducts formal supplier negotiations.

Recommends, develops and implements procurement policies, procedural changes and strategies for the commodity teams, procurement staff, the supplier community and other associated staff.

Oversees the review of defective or unacceptable goods or services with Commodity Specialists, supplier quality procurement staff, users, and suppliers to determine reason for rejection and corrective action needed.

Works with the women and minority supplier coordinator to meet supplier diversity program goals and objectives.

Recommends, implements, and uses e-Procurement-based technology.

Develops and coordinates complex procurement contracts and Requests for Proposal (RFP).

Provides consultative assistance with commodity analyses, procurement strategies, cost reduction opportunities, women and minority sourcing strategies, and other programs and initiatives.

Researches, collects and analyzes agency business and technical requirements.

Identifies, researches, and recommends procurement system improvements.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of procurement practices and methods for supply chain management.

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 development and maintenance of supplier contracts.

Knowledge of the methods used to conduct formal supplier procurement negotiations.

Ability to analyze and evaluate written information.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Commodity Specialist or a Quality Assurance Specialist;

                                                                                                                                                or

Three years of experience as a Purchasing Agent 2;

                                                                                                                                               or

One year of experience as a Purchasing Agent 3;

                                                                                                                                               or

Three years of strategic procurement experience in supply chain management, and a bachelor’s degree;

                                                                                                                                              or

Seven years of strategic procurement experience including two years of experience in the research and evaluation of commodities and suppliers;

                                                                                                                                             or

An equivalent combination of experience and training including two years of experience in supply chain management.