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City of Rockville

Principal Buyer

City of Rockville, Maryland Line, Maryland, us, 21105

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Salary:

$84,329.39 - $139,143.81 Annually Location :

MD 20850, MD Job Type:

Full-Time Job Number:

202500105 Department:

Department of Procurement Division:

Purchasing and Contracts Opening Date:

08/07/2025 Closing Date:

Continuous

Job Summary This position is responsible for performing the most complex procurement and contractual work, primarily construction procurement. Work involves responsibility for the economical and timely purchase of goods and services utilized by the City. The work involves ensuring that the proper quality and quantity, and in many cases best value for the City are achieved through developing technical specifications for formal bids and proposals, bid evaluations, and enforcing competitive procedures in accordance with the City Code, and underlying policies and procedures. This position requires resourcefulness and initiative in problem resolution. Some of the complexity of this position requires understanding, interpreting, reconciling, and implementing procurement and contracting requirements, including construction procurements, from Federal, State or regional bodies; responding in a timely manner to competing priorities and deadlines; analyzing and reporting on a variety of contracting and related matters, and having to anticipate and track fiscal impacts on varying contract language and requirements that may have legal implications in obligation of funds. The successful candidate may be responsible for materials handling and appropriate practices in managing a stockroom. This position works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The successful candidate may also be responsible for management and oversight of the City's warehouse operation. The successful candidate will report directly to the Director of Procurement.

Essential Job Functions

Prepares necessary award and contract documentation and assists in administration of contracts to assure compliance until contract is concluded. Works with departments to resolve contract disputes. Works with departments on best use of particular contract types. Makes recommendations on complex procurements by providing guidance to departments. Keeps informed of all new developments relative to available resources and contract opportunities for Citywide use. Makes recommendations to achieve procurement efficiencies city wide as well as to reduce costs of specific procurements. Utilizes all available resources to assist user departments with development of specifications and to research best practices in contract management. Utilizes State, County and National municipal cooperative procurement agreements where appropriate. Oversees the development, review, revision, and implementation of legislation. Develops short-long term strategies and goals for the administration of assigned contracts. Oversees the coordination and facilitation of procurement related meetings such as kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scoring. Oversees, initiates, and approves emergency purchases. Oversees and/or reviews and conducts the needs assessment process to ensure requirements are completed and justified. Meets with vendors to discuss contract agreements and to reconcile any order or contractual discrepancies. Reviews major procurement contracts, coordinates contract compliance, and monitors change orders for the duration of the contract. Resolves discrepancies and disputes in accordance with contract laws, consulting with legal counsel as required. Compiles statistics for reports and studies and produces procurement reports on an annual basis to analyze City spending. Handles all contracting issues, negotiates favorable contractual terms, administers contracts and follows up to ensure contract compliance. Supervisors, trains, and mentors less senior buyers as needed. Recommends and develops purchasing policies and procedures. Oversees decentralized purchasing functions to ensure citywide compliance with guidelines, policies and procedures. Stays current with national trends and best practices in procurement. Responsible for maintaining certification, and where feasible accreditation of the purchasing function. May act on behalf the Director of Procurement as assigned. Performs all other duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree with major coursework in business, procurement or closely related field from an accredited university or college; and five (5) years of progressively responsible work in governmental procurement experience, preferably local government, including some supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications: Must have passed or be able to pass the Professional Public Buyer Certification (CPPB). Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) preferred. Experience with an automated procurement system preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of procurement methods and procedures. Considerable knowledge of the types, nomenclature and sources of supply for a wide variety of goods and services. Considerable knowledge of markets and market prices for a wide range of goods and services. Considerable knowledge of warehouse inventory practices and procedures. Demonstrates proficient oral and written communication. Ability to develop contract specific language suitable for public bidding. Ability to use automated systems technology and software tools for effective accomplishment of work. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, and city staff at all levels. Ability to plan, prioritize and supervise the work of subordinate employees. Ability to step in during gaps, be flexible in assignments, and promote teamwork.

Summary of Employee Benefits

The following is a brief summary of the major benefits provided to new full-time, regular employees. Part-time, regular employees working more than 20 hours per week may be entitled to these benefits on a pro-rated basis in accordance with Rockville City Laws and personnel policies and procedures. Benefits are not available to temporary employees. Details about benefits and costs for full-time and part-time employees are available by calling the Human Resources Department at 240-314-8470.

Group Insurance Plans

Health Insurance Participation is available in one of a number of types of health plans. The City contributes toward each plan. Participation is optional. Detailed information about each plan and the associated cost is available through the Human Resources Department. Employees may participate in one of the following plans: Aetna HMO $30/$40, Aetna HMO $30/40 Deductible, Aetna HMO Health Reimbursement Account, Aetna Point of Service, Kaiser Permanente HMO, or Kaiser Permanente Point of Service. Start date of coverage is the date of hire or the first of the following month. .

Aetna Rockville Group: 118583-011 Member Services: (800) 445-5299 or (888) 792-3862 (Rx Services) Web Site:

Kaiser Permanente Rockville Group: 4205-4 (HMO) Member Services: (301) 468-6000 or (800) 777-7902 TTY: (301) 816-6344 Web Site:

Dental Plan Employees may join the City's dental program and receive dental benefits in addition to any such benefits provided by the group health plans. The City contributes a portion of the cost of each employee's dental coverage. If dental coverage is waived, the City's contribution is reallocated toward the employee's health plan cost. Start date of coverage is the first of the month following date of hire. Guardian Dental Customer Service: (800) 541-7846 Web Site:

Vision Insurance City of Rockville is offers a vision plan with VSP. Members will have a $130 allowance (in-network) for lenses/frames or contacts. Go to www.vsp.com to locate a participating provider. VSP members get a 20% savings on additional glasses and sunglasses, including lens enhancements, from any VSP provider within 12 months of your last WellVision Exam. Ask your provider about Laser Vision Correction discounts as well. Group Life Insurance The City provides life insurance equal to one and one-half times an employee's base salary. There is no cost to the employee for this benefit. Employees have the option of purchasing additional supplemental life insurance coverage for self, spouse and dependent child(ren). New employees joining within their first 30 days will not be required to provide evidence of insurability.

Leave

Annual Leave Annual leave ranges from 16 to 23 days per year depending upon the length of service with the City. Leave may be used as it is accrued with the permission of the employee's supervisor. Annual leave is paid at termination after completing six (6) months of service. An employee normally accrues annual leave in the following manner:

Months of Service Monthly Vacation Accrual in Hours (37.5 hrs/wk)/(40 hrs/wk)

1-24 Months 10.00 / 10.40

25-60 Months 11.53 / 12.40

61-96 Months 13.08 / 14.00

97+ Months 14.23 / 15.20

Holidays Administrative and Police employees generally receive the following eleven (11) holidays per year.

New Year's Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Presidents' Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Day Independence Day Labor Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving Day Thanksgiving Friday Christmas Day

The City also observes all days of general and congressional elections throughout the State of Maryland. This holiday falls on even numbered years. Union employees and certain other employees may receive different holidays in accordance with the terms of a contractual agreement.

Sick Leave Sick leave is earned monthly at the rate of 1.25 days per completed month of service. There is no waiting period for using earned sick leave nor is there a limit to the amount of earned sick leave that may be used in connection with any legitimate illness.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Dependent Care FSA The Dependent Care FSA allows employees to set aside up to $5,000 on a pre-tax basis for eligible dependent care expenses. Prior to the beginning of each calendar year, employees estimate the amount of these eligible expenses and agree to have this amount deducted from their annual salary on a bi-weekly basis. Employees avoid paying federal, state, and Social Security taxes on the total amount of their deferral. When expenses are incurred, employees submit a receipt and are reimbursed from their account. A detailed description of the plan is available in the Human Resources Department.

Medical FSA The Medical Care FSA allows employees to set aside up to $3,200 on a pre-tax basis for eligible health care expenses. Prior to the beginning of each calendar year, employees estimate the amount of these expenses and agree to have that amount deducted from their annual salary on a bi-weekly basis. Employees avoid paying federal, state, and Social Security taxes on the total amount of their deferral. An employee may use a FSA debit card to pay for eligible expenses, or may submit receipts when expenses are incurred in order to be reimbursed from their account. A detailed description of the plan is available in the Human Resources Department.

Pre-tax Deductions for Health Insurance Through Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, pre-tax payroll deductions may be made for the City's health and dental insurance premiums. Pre-tax deductions allow employees to avoid paying Federal, State, and F.I.C.A. taxes on the amounts of these payroll deducted premiums.

Wex Benefits Customer Service: (866) 451-3399 Web Site:

Retirement Programs

Retirement Plan The City's retirement plans consist of a Defined Benefit and a Defined Contribution portion. Administrative and Union employees may contribute between one (1) and five (5) percent of their base salary, on a pre-tax basis, to the defined contribution portion. The deferral election is made at the time of employment and may not be changed. Therefore, employees are advised to give considerable thought to their decision of what percent to contribute. The City will make a matching contribution of 50 cents for each dollar contributed. A minimum of one (1) percent participation is mandatory. Employees have different investment fund options in which to direct contributions. The investment direction may be changed biweekly. Vesting in the Defined Contribution portion occurs at the beginning of the 3rd year. Normal retirement is age 60 or 65 depending on date of hire. The Defined Benefit portion of the retirement plan is based on a percentage of average annual salary multiplied by length of credited service. Administrative employees are required to make a mandatory one (1) percent contribution to the Defined Benefit portion of the plan. Vesting occurs after ten (10) years. Police Officers contribute 8.5 percent of their earnings on a pre-tax basis to a defined benefit pension plan. Normal retirement for police officers is permitted at the earlier of age 60 or after 25 years of service, regardless of age. Benefits at retirement are based on a percentage of final average earnings multiplied by length of credited service.

Retirement Plan Administrator:

Lincoln Financial Retirement Plan Member Services: (800) 234-3500 Website:

Deferred Compensation (457) Plan The deferred compensation plan is designed specifically for City employees, and makes it possible to defer income and the payment of income taxes on the deferred investment. The plan is not meant for short-term savings or investment purposes as monies deferred are generally not available until termination or retirement. Employees may defer the lesser of 25 percent of base salary or a minimum of $10.00 per pay up to the current IRS limit on a pre-tax basis.

Roth 457 The Roth 457 is a supplemental retirement plan which is funded through employee contributions only. Employees are eligible to enroll from the date of hire. Contributions are taxed but earnings grow tax free. Lincoln Financial Member Services: (877) 234-3500 Social Security Regular employees receive employer contributions to Social Security (also known as FICA). Social Security benefits are available in accordance with Federal law. For more information about benefits, contact the Human Resources Department at 240-314-8470.

Credit Union Employees may participate in the Sky Point Federal Credit Union, conveniently located at Courthouse Square in Rockville. This credit union also participates in Family Service Center with shared branches available throughout the metropolitan area. Services include savings and checking accounts, loans, payroll deduction, and direct deposit.

Sky Point Federal Credit Union Member Services: (301) 279-1964

Legal Resources Through Legal Resources, participating employees and their eligible family members can get free advice, consultation, and courtroom representation for common legal services. Member Services: 1-800-728-5768 Web Site:

Employee Assistance Program The City provides free, confidential counseling, assessment, and referral services to help employees deal with personal problems. Trained, certified employee assistance counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is also available for family members who are eligible health insurance plan dependents.

BHS EAP 24 hour Assistance Line (800) 327-2251 Web Site:

Long-term Disability Programs The City's Income Protection Plan provides long-term disability benefits for both on and off the job injuries or illnesses. Coverage for off the job injuries or illnesses is provided after one year of employment with the City. Details are available from the Human Resources Department.

College Savings Plans College America is a 529 college savings plan that can help you build a nest egg for college. These plans, named after a section of the tax code, were created by Congress to offer significant tax advantages to those who invest for higher education. Details are available from the Human Resources Department. 01

Have you worked for the City of Rockville?

Yes No

02

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

High School or GED Some College Associates Degree Bachelors Degree Masters Degree or Higher None of the Above

03

Which of the following procurement certification(s) do you possess?

CPPB CPPO CPM No Certifications Other

04

Please select all procurement functions where you are proficient or training of procurement functions:

Interpretation of purchasing laws, policies and procedure Developing specifications Formal solicitations (IFBs, RFPs) Conducting pre-solicitation meetings Conducting market analysis Contract Modifications Contract disputes Training of purchasing functions None of the above

05

Do you have experience with utilizing automated procurement or financial systems?

Yes No

06

Do you have any experience conducting construction-related procurements?

Yes No

Required Question