Position Title:
Purchasing Agent
Grade:
11
Reports To: Director of Fiscal Affairs
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt union representation: Yes
ABOUT US
The Cambridge Housing Authority ("CHA"), a leader in developing and maintaining affordable housing communities, is seeking a qualified and highly motivated candidate. By focusing on policy innovation and family economic opportunities, the CHA is committed to developing and managing safe, high quality, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. CHA provides long-term rental housing and rental assistance to more than 5,500+ individuals and families through its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Programs. CHA has been awarded accreditation by the Affordable Housing Accreditation Board (AHAB) and was the seventh affordable housing provider in the nation to receive this prestigious accreditation.
CHA offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience. Our generous benefits package includes health and dental insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, life and disability insurance options, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, retirement pension and deferred compensation 457b plans, and more! CHA employees enjoy flexible work schedules including a hybrid work environment consisting of a combination of on-site and work from home days.
SUMMARY
The primary purpose of this position is to support the Director of Fiscal Affairs by ensuring compliance and adherence to purchasing policies in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
All activities must support the Cambridge Housing Authority’s (“CHA” or “Authority”) strategic goals and objectives and produce results that accomplish the goals of the Fiscal Affairs department.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in related field and at least three years of experience in purchasing or a related field is required. Experience in an office environment as well as experience with inventory and automated purchasing systems is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered. Certification as a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official is required.
Technical Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS Outlook, accounting software). Ability to learn other computer software programs may be required by assigned tasks.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The below statements describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.
- Responsible for the maintenance of sound purchasing practices by the Authority, including the Affiliates, in accordance with applicable law and housing authority policy;
- Maintain detailed and complete records of all purchase orders; maintains and distributes purchase orders in a timely manner;
- Establish a consolidated list of routine items in order to take advantage of the economies of bulk purchasing;
- Utilize State and Federal consolidated purchasing programs wherever such utilization will result in economies for the Authority;
- Assist the Senior Purchasing Agent in the development, implementation and maintenance of a modern system of inventory control and purchasing;
- Prepare and submit advertisements to newspaper, CommBuys, Central Register and other publications as needed;
- Recording Secretary for all public bid openings handled by Purchasing department;
- Obtain and send wage rates for construction projects; review payroll reports to confirm correct wage rates were paid for project. Follow-up with vendor as needed;
- Monitor and maintain contract list and comprehensive bid list;
- Monitor and maintain insurance certificates;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
PROCUREMENT CARDS
- Create and maintain files for all cardholders
- Download monthly P-card statements for CHA and affiliate properties
- Distribute monthly statements to all cardholders
- Prepare monthly folders for all receipts and statements
- Verify all monthly receipts are received and confirm all information is contained in receipt. Follow-up with cardholders as required and E-mail affiliate P-card statements and receipts to outside firm end of month
PROJECT FILES
- Schedule conference room for bid openings handled by Purchasing
- Distribute and track all bid packages, addenda, and update information in electronic logbook.
- E-mail list of plan holders to Central Register on a weekly basis when needed
- Prepare Bid Tabs and e-mail to bidders and publishing companies
- Prepare and submit notice of award to Central Register and Return bid packages when contract has been awarded
COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Behavioral Competencies
Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.
Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; recognizes working colleagues as customers.
Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; listens effectively.
Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; does fair share of work.
Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Job Competencies
- Usage of CHA and federal regulations, guidelines, procedures and manual governing contracting and procurement
- Contracting and procurement procedures, types and methods
- Excellent oral and written communication
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a stationary position, operate computers and other office equipment, move about the office, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate. The employee must be able to accurately exchange information in person, in writing and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 10 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate