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The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) is seeking a full-time Procurement Director. The DTA is an award-winning transit agency that provides safe, convenient, and affordable public transit service (fixed route and paratransit) within the twin shipping ports of Duluth, MN and Superior, WI and its surrounding areas. We transport just under 3 million passengers annually by way of our 75+ bus fleet and we employ approximately 185 team members. Duluth is a beautiful port city located on the scenic shores of the great Lake Superior where fresh air, green space, 4-season outdoor adventures and arts/entertainment abound. The Procurement Director is responsible for requesting bids and proposals, writing and overseeing the preparation of contracts, negotiating contract terms, researching and interpreting contract provisions, and awarding contracts to vendors. The Procurement Director also resolves contract discrepancies, drafts reports, maintains procurement files, is responsible for procurement and administrative activities including technical support for document preparation such as RFPs, RFQs, and RFBs. You will administer complex contracts in the area of professional services, goods, services and construction. This position will ensure compliance to local, state and federal guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures during negotiations and contract awards process.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage the procurement of all supplies, equipment and, services for the DTA in accordance with federal and state laws as well as DTA Procurement Policies.
• Make recommendations on policies and procedures as needed to ensure the success and compliance of all procurement related activities.
• Provide procurement research, guidance, direction, and presents available procurement options to DTA staff. Incorporates the best practices and market research into procurements to ensure that the DTA obtains the best possible price.
• Identify suppliers that satisfy the DTA’s contracting and purchasing requirements.
• Prepare solicitation documents and offers using various forms of advertisement.
• Prepare preliminary determination of responsiveness and responsibility including audit of various financial documents. Performs price/cost analysis and resolves discrepancies in material price, over/under shipments and erroneous freight charges with contractor personnel in accordance with solicitation requirements.
• Ensure guidelines and goals are followed regarding participation by disadvantage business enterprises (DBE). Assists Director of Finance in establishing DBE goals. Assures suppliers deliver materials and services in accordance with standards of price, time, quantity and quality agreed upon.
• Maintain communications with vendors and sources of supplies, advises management of market conditions affecting commodities purchased by the DTA, as well as opportunities for cost-saving purchases.
• Arrange for the disposal of surplus property.
• Maintain and edit standard forms used in the bid/RFP specifications.
• Receive, evaluate and forward to Finance Director bid bonds as applicable.
• Coordinate and facilitate pre- and post-award conferences with interested contractors and DTA technical personnel. Administer pre and post award protests and prepares recommendations for concurrence with Director of Finance.
• Coordinate formal bids, including RFP’s, IFB’s, RFQ’s, etc. by reviewing specifications, schematics, etc. and maintain files.
• Review requisitions and purchase orders (PO’s) to ensure proper account coding, delineating capital or operating expenditures as well as grant shares.
• Monitor open PO’s and contracts for compliance with delivery schedules, performance and other terms. Close out issued or delegated purchase orders and contracts.
• Prepare a variety of routine and complex reports to assist management in making procurement related decisions.
• Manage all local, state, and federal contracts.
• Evaluate procurement processes and procedures and make recommendations to improve or efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with FTA Third Party Contracting regulations.
• Ensure compliance with local and state bid laws and regulations.
• Ensures that DTA staff assigned as Project Managers are fully compliant with Procurement duties and policies.
• Attend meetings, conferences, seminars, training and other technical programs to stay abreast of changes in the procurement field and applicable regulations.
• Maintain high degree of integrity, avoids conflicts of interest and fully complies with DTA Code of Conduct Policy.

The performance of the major job functions for this position requires the incumbent to be present at their work setting. This is not a remote position. Regular, dependable attendance is necessary for the performance of the job duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four-year degree in Accounting, Finance, Procurement or related field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in financial capacity.
• Possess strong working knowledge of procurement and contracting following state and Federal Government guidelines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary, in addition to being highly motivated and organized.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills plus proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in transportation or Public Transit preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to sit for an extended period of time.
• Must have manual dexterity to operate a computer and other office equipment.

The physical requirement listed in this section include, but are not necessarily limited to, the motor/physical abilities and skills required of this position in order to successfully undertake the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. In accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodation may be made to empower individuals with disabilities to undertake the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

Salary: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 with an excellent fringe benefit package including 12% pension salary match, zero monthly insurance premium cost for both self and spouse/dependents for health, dental and vision coverage, $500 individual deductible/$1500 family deductible, paid vacation time, paid sick time and life insurance.

Apply: https://www.duluthtransit.com/home/contact/careers