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Job Description
Grade 21: Salary starts at $79,373.00 annually. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Contracting & Purchasing Specialist serves as project lead for assigned, complex projects; schedules and manages the monthly Requisition Center training, and provides mentorship and guidance to the Contracting and Purchasing Specialists staff. This position is responsible for the contracting and purchasing of goods and services, to include non-standard and complex contract actions in support of SAWS through Competitive Bids (“low bids”), Request for Quotes (RFQ), Best Value Bids (BVB) and Request for Proposals (RFP). The position is responsible for solicitation development and review, contract negotiation, award document preparation, award recommendations, and post-award contract management. The position reviews and recommends a variety of bid proposals for Board approval within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Leads Contract & Purchasing Specialists by providing guidance, and mentoring.
- Develops procurement strategies and serves as business advisor to customer throughout the procurement life cycle.
- Creates, develops, researches and collaborates with customer on bid requirements and/or specifications.
- Performs market research and cost analysis of prices, discount rates, delivery dates, transportation charges and previous performance.
- Prepares solicitation, document review, solicitation posting on third-party electronic bidding website, solicitation communications, and receiving of bids and proposals.
- Schedules, coordinates and presents at pre-bid meetings.
- Schedules, coordinates and facilitates technical evaluator committee consensus discussions.
- Attends selection committee meetings and vendor interviews.
- Conducts bid openings, modifies, and verifies bid tabulations.
- Negotiates contract terms and conditions; determines which contracts will be extended or bid.
- Creates, compiles, and writes contracts resulting from the bidding and negotiating process.
- Prepares Board Items for Purchasing Consent Agenda.
- Provides assistance to internal and external customers.
- Prepares and processes the necessary documents required for proper execution of change orders.
- Applies and interprets contracting principles, practices, theories, laws, procedures, and terminology, including Texas State Statutes - Local Government Code Chapters 252, 271 and 791.
- Utilizes SAWS’ third-party electronic bidding website for posting and updating specified solicitations, award, and related information.
- Utilizes SAWS’ financial software to manage contracts and contract executions.
- Enforces compliance of contract terms to include coordinating and mediating SAWS/vendor relationships; resolves problems concerning obligations of the parties, explains contract terms; and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations and Board policies and procedures.
- Supports the Small Business Opportunities Program.
- Trains and advises SAWS employees on purchasing software and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
DECISION MAKING- The Senior Contracting and Purchasing Specialist works with limited supervision.
- Responsible for contracts totaling over $25,000,000.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
- Six years' progressive purchasing experience, to include preparing solicitations, contract awards and/ or change orders.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Certification as a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM).
JOB DIMENSIONS- Knowledge and understanding of basic accounting and cost analysis.
- Proficient PC skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and automated purchasing systems.
- Ability to maintain regular contact with Directors, Managers, internal and external customers, vendors and manufacturing representatives to develop specifications, solicitations, and contract requirements.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships and public relations. Frequently contacts and collaborates with internal and external customers, vendors, and the general public.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing .
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Subject to standing and sitting for long periods of time to perform job scope. Works primarily in an office environment with occasional field visits. May be required to work hours other than normal working hours, such as evening and weekends.
San Antonio Water System values the contributions of all its employees, providing them the best in compensation and benefits. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain a workforce of qualified employees who share a responsibility in providing quality water to 1 million consumers.
From an affordable medical and dental plan to life-sustaining retirement and insurance plans, we offer benefits that reward employees for their commitment to a challenging career at SAWS. Employee benefits include the following:- Competitive, market-based salaries
- Performance-based incentives
- Medical benefits
- Dental benefits
- Life insurance
- Prescription drug program
- Vision care plan
- Two retirement plans
- Deferred compensation plans (457 plan)
- Disability income
- Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal)
- Education assistance program
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible, tax-deferred health and dependent care spending accounts
- Wellness programs
- On-Site Fitness Facilities
- Community service opportunities
Closing Date/Time: 10/12/2025 11:59 PM Central -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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San Antonio Water System
Show moreThe San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is a public utility owned by the City of San Antonio. SAWS serves 2 million people in Bexar County as well as parts of Medina and Atascosa counties. The population includes more than 511,300 water customers and 457,600 wastewater customers. SAWS actively seeks out public participation in its operations and planning, while SAWS volunteers strive to help their neighbors in need.
As an industry leader in conservation and water and wastewater management, SAWS provides sustainable, affordable water services. To deliver responsible water services, our investment in our employees – one of our greatest assets – ranks as a top priority.
San Antonio Water System's Board of Trustees has adopted mission, vision and values statements that serve as a foundation to move the utility forward through 2050 and reinforce San Antonio's much-deserved reputation as Waterful.
Our Mission: Sustainable, Affordable Water Services / Our Vision: To be leaders in delivering responsible water services for life. / Our Values: Excellence, Integrity, Respect and Safety.
SAWS is a values-based organization that believes in diversity in all aspects of our business. At SAWS, we attract and retain the finest individuals whose diverse talents drive innovation. We recognize that differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, physical ability or any characteristic protected by law, enrich and empower our work environment. We respectfully infuse diversity in our daily work lives with the knowledge that people from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences make connections that make SAWS a success.
SAWS is committed to providing our employees with a healthy, safe, and rewarding work environment where all employees have an equal opportunity for professional and personal growth. SAWS employees go beyond what is expected – developing remarkable, award-winning programs in conservation, water resources, watershed protection and wastewater treatment.
Why Choose a Career at SAWS?
For Your Work-Life Balance: SAWS is proud to invest in its employees by offering a variety of paid time off to help meet the work-life balance goals of you and your family.
For Your Professional Growth: Professional growth is key to both our employees’ success as well as SAWS’. That’s why SAWS offers a number of professional development opportunities that achieve both personal and company goals.
For Your Future: Achieving your personal financial goals is an important part of your life. SAWS makes it easy for employees to save for retirement by providing several retirement plan options.
For Your Health: SAWS offers a range of health, dental and vision benefits, and Wellness Programs to help meet each employee’s needs.
For your Protection: SAWS offers life insurance and disability coverage to meet the need for protection against life’s unexpected events.
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