Lead Procurement Specialist

The Lead Procurement Specialist is responsible for medium and high critical materials, equipment, and subcontracts sourcing events.  Expectation is “expert level” knowledge on procurement related processes and procedures.  A Lead Procurement Specialist is expected to lead small groups and substitute in place of the Project Procurement Manager (PPM) performing and carrying out PPM related responsibilities.  Additionally, a Lead Procurement Specialist should develop negotiating strategies, assign work, plus oversee and mentor lesser tenured peers; e.g. Procurement Coordinator I and II.  The Lead Procurement Specialist is also responsible for sourcing activities for both estimating support on projects in the Deal Development phase and Procurement Execution activities during the life cycle of a project from RFP solicitation through the Award phase.  The Lead Procurement Specialist must also be proficient in performing commercial analysis’ of Bidders’ proposals, writing and submitting recommendations of award and conducting Bidder conferences.  Responsibilities also include engaging and maintaining Supplier relationships on awarded contracts, communicating with key internal and external stakeholders and maintaining overall transparency with the Project Management Team (PMT). 

• Focus on the contract life-cycle management and administration, and the overall supplier management and relationship building;

• Has the primary responsibility in the establishment of core contract management processes and contract content in order to monitor and manage contract compliance;

• Participate in procurement project management teams to support contract compliance;

• Identify issues, propose solutions, provide negotiation support and resolve contractual issues;

• Advise in Master Agreement Program Contract Development;

• Participation in Deal Development and support in estimating efforts including issuing Request for Information (RFI’s)

• Lead in procurement execution for medium to high criticality sourcing events, commensurate with level of procurement experience, including:

• Conduct research and develop sourcing strategies for assigned items;

• Develop supplier lists and issue RFP packages, and RFP amendments accordingly, for various medium to high criticality/complex equipment, material and services at best value to Zachry;

• Develop performance-based scopes of work and understand specifications & drawing packages;

• Develop negotiating strategies;

• Conduct bidder conferences and coordinate discussions between bidders and technical personnel;

• Perform evaluation of proposals and conduct supplier negotiations;

• Write supplier recommendations that explain and support the source selection process and decision;

• Understand terms and conditions and contract formation;

• Negotiate award of contracts to suppliers

• Support contract administration and subcontract management

• Participate in supplier and subcontractor kick-off meetings;

• Participate in supplier and subcontractor close-out meetings

• Scope and negotiate contract change orders and amendments

• Participate in weekly procurement meetings;

• Work Leader for teams with partial supervision responsibilities such as assigning work, overseeing Level 1 and Level 2 activities and providing backup support to Project Procurement Manager;

• Mentorship role to team and other procurement personnel;

• Manage work in fast-paced environment, focused on complex, higher profile technical items;

• Provide support to other procurement personnel as needed;

• Maintain knowledge of procurement processes and procedures and execute in accordance with Zachry’s standard operating procedures;

• Maintain knowledge of Oracle, Dragnet, PPMS, and other job-specific IT support systems;

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, engineers, construction and key stakeholders and personn