The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is currently searching for a qualified individual to fill the role of Senior Buyer. This is a full-time position and the location is Kansas City, MO.
Position Summary:
Responsible for the full lifecycle of complex procurement activities involving federal, state, and local funding, with a focus on Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations. This position manages and executes procurements for a wide variety of goods, services, and capital equipment, including rolling stock, with a high degree of independence and professional judgment. The Senior Buyer serves as a subject matter expert on public procurement policy and provides guidance to internal departments.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Manage a high-volume portfolio of complex procurements using various methods, including Invitation for Bids (IFB), Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), sole source, and small purchase procedures.
- Ensure all procurement activities and resulting contracts comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly FTA Circular 4220.1G and other relevant requirements. Stays informed of changes to these regulations.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and review procurement strategies, project specifications, and scopes of work.
- Prepare, review, and issue complex solicitation documents. Manage all aspects of the solicitation process, including posting advertisements, conducting pre-bid/proposal conferences, and facilitating evaluations for Request for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications.
- Perform detailed cost and price analyses to ensure fair and reasonable pricing and organize pre-award audits or surveys when necessary.
- Facilitate contract negotiations and prepare all contract award documents for review by management and legal counsel.
- Prepare procurement files and coordinate documentation for external audits, such as FTA Triennial Reviews.
- Administer contracts post-award, which may include monitoring contractor performance, processing, approved change orders and approved amendments, and resolving disputes in coordination with stakeholders.
- Perform other procurement-related duties consistent with the level and responsibilities of a Senior Buyer, as assigned.
Required Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or related field.
- At least one (1) to three (3) years of related work experience with contracts, especially in a government or publicly funded environment.
- An equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.