Procurement Specialist - Professional Services at Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

Procurement Specialist – Professional Services 

Interested candidates must apply to the Procurement Specialist – Professional Services posting by visiting careers.paturnpike.com by September 5, 2024. 

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, opened on October 1, 1940, is known as “America’s First Superhighway”!  Our mission is to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce.  The PTC operates a 565-mile system with over 205 million transactions annually.  Together, we are building the highway of the future. 

The Commission values its team members and understands the importance of work/life balance to the health, well-being and productivity of its team. Therefore, this position may be eligible for Flexible Work Options* such as: 

• Hybrid Work - combination of remote and in-person reporting 

• Alternate Work Schedule - flexibility to adjust work schedule length to complete work week in fewer days 

*Some options may require completion of probationary period.  

The Commission requires all employees to establish PA residency within 6 months of hire and to maintain PA residency, regardless of Flexible Work Options.  

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.  The Commission will not sponsor applicants for work visas. 

Job Purpose and Summary 

This position is responsible for performing professional level work coordinating procurement activities for a variety of services and materials on behalf of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). Work at this level is distinguished from lower-level procurement positions by the ability to independently administer transactions and contracts in more than one area of procurement which require coordination with various departments across the organization. Work performed involves the administration of confidential contract and procurement issues which requires significant discretion. Work is performed with independence and is reviewed by an administrative superior for direction and conformance with PTC standards and objectives. 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities 

Provides advice, training, and guidance to departments regarding proper contracting and procurement procedures. Ensures all legal, regulatory, and procedural requirements are met. 

Studies market prices and industry trends and forecasts material and price fluctuations on an ongoing basis and identifies commodity areas in which the PTC has significant leveraging, cost savings or partnership opportunities. 

Determines the appropriate use of the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposal, Invitation to Qualify, or other procurement format. Develops, compiles, and secures Requests for Proposal, Information and/or Quotation to facilitate development of sourcing strategy within Procurement Code guidelines. 

Screens, identifies, and recommends qualified potential suppliers with respect to cost, quality, and delivery competitiveness.   

Prepares materials and maintains records in accordance with Professional Services Procurement Procedures. 

Works with vendors to ensure all procurement documents are clearly understood. Provides additional information upon request and reviews proposals from vendors for compliance with contract regulations and limits.  
  
Facilitates pre-proposal or pre-bid conferences and public bid openings. Participates on, or facilitates, evaluation committees to review proposals/quotations for contract recommendation.  

Conducts, or facilitates, the negotiation of prices and requirements. Prepares contracts and purchase orders and ensures they are accurate, consistent and include the proper terms/conditions. Secures necessary approvals and signatures.  

Ensures that assigned contracts are administered in accordance with all federal and state laws and regulations and in accordance with all internal PTC policies and procedures. 

Analyzes, monitors, and maintains contractual usage records, obligations, expiration dates and expenditures. Communicates with departments to help resolve problems that arise (e.g., invoicing, audit resolutions, insurance, bonds, vendor performance, etc.).  

Processes shopping carts for purchases and work orders. Expedites purchases. Analyzes, compiles, and prepares bid/proposal requests. Utilizes the enterprise resource planning system (ERP) in accordance with policies and procedures. Appropriately handles change orders and necessary approval memorandums. 

Uses situational awareness to anticipate and prevent accidents.     

Performs related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

Eight (8) years of experience in strategic sourcing, purchasing, contract administration, supply-chain management, engineering, or business administration; 
OR 
Four (4) years of experience in strategic sourcing, purchasing, contract administration, supply-chain management, engineering, or business administration AND a bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, supply-chain management, public administration, or related field; 
OR 
One (1) year as a Procurement Analyst at the PTC. 
Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted.  

Competencies 

Customer Service 

Problem Solving/Analysis 

Decision Making and Independent Judgment 

Communication Proficiency 

Mathematical Understanding 

Business Writing 

Analytical Thinking 

Time Management 

Attention to Detail 

Technical Capacity 

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

Position demands include frequent speaking, writing and reading reports. Position requires occasional work at a computer utilizing business programs and PTC specific operating systems. Position requires occasional travel and/or fieldwork with exposure to roadway traffic. Occasionally works outside of normal business hours for assigned work assignments. 

Office environment with low levels of noise, adequate lighting and comfortable temperature. Field environment may include exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable conditions. Physical environment is generally safe, but safety equipment or precautions must be followed in field conditions.   

Benefits 

The selected candidate will be offered an exceptional benefits package which includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, along with a benefit plan for retirement.  In addition, leave programs, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and alternative work schedules are available to employees.  

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department by calling 717-831-7378.