Job Description

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for researching, evaluating and procuring services, supplies and equipment based on price, service, quality, and warranty that will meet the Chicago Housing Authority's policy and procedural requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Determine and implement the appropriate method of procurement to secure the requested service, commodity or supplies within an assigned department area.
• Assist staff in developing scopes and specifications and prepare solicitations including Invitation for Bid, (IFB), Request for Proposal (RFP), and Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
• Oversee the soliciting of bids and proposal evaluation process in accordance with CHA’s policy, and perform bid analysis and make the appropriate procurement recommendation.
• Prepare and process purchase orders, review requesting department documentation for accuracy and completeness and verify vendor information.
• Determine the most responsive and responsible vendor that meets selection criteria based on selected procurement method.
• Conduct and coordinate team meetings and facilitate pre-bid and pre-proposals meetings, bid openings, and evaluation committee meetings with departments.
• Perform vendor sourcing to support competitive procurement practices.
• Research sources of supply and analyze the market based upon the requested commodity and or service and submit procurement recommendation to CHA management.
• Resolve disputes between suppliers and user department regarding service, cost, and delivery.
• Prepare appropriate correspondences to suppliers relating to inquiries and procurement issues.
• Perform procurement outreach activities and participate in vendor fairs communicating Chicago Housing Authority's procurement process.
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of assigned contract files and various report documentation for accuracy to ensure information is properly stored on CHA network.
• Other tasks assigned by the department and/or management.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related work experience with a minimum of three (3) years procurement experience, or a minimum of five (5) years equivalent work experience in various areas such as construction, professional services, and supply commodities.

Knowledge and understanding of procurement methods, principles and terminology. Require effective verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to work with a diverse staff of managerial and professional employees. Proficient in analyzing and evaluating data. Strong organization, problem solving and analytical skills. The ability and skills to exercise and use sound business judgment, discretion, maintain confidentiality and work on multiple projects simultaneously. Skilled in providing customer service. The ability to perform and work well under pressure.

It is encouraged that a purchasing/contracting/procurement certification be obtained, and example certifications are: The National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP), and the National Association of Purchasing Managers. This role requires competent computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and general math aptitude to perform statistical calculations.

BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE

• Vacation, Sick and Personal, competitive PTO package
• Medical (HMO, PPO, and No employee cost High-Deductible PPO) Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Parking Transit
• Prepaid Legal Services
• Brightstar 529 College Savings Plan
• Identity Theft Protection
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan: Empower 457/401(a) with a 3% employer match
• Pension Plan: CHA makes contributions on behalf of the employee, along with the employee's 3% contribution; 100% vesting occurs after 6 years of continuous employment or opt-out of CHA's Retirement Plan and continues to participate in the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago
• Hybrid work schedule (position specific) This position may be eligible for remote work following a successful completion of a 90-day probationary period according to CHA’s established policies and procedures.

Salary: $70,000 - $73,000

Grade: S7

FLSA: Exempt

Union: None

"Applications will be accepted for 30 days from the date of posting. However, the position may be closed at any point if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.”