We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Specialist to be responsible for purchasing all materials, supplies, and equipment following RUS and CFC requirements. The Purchasing Specialist will provide the most effective and efficient centralized purchasing by following the highest standards of professional conduct in all quotes, bids, and contract activities to maintain inventory levels and control.

What will you do if hired?

Develop and implement purchasing strategies and perform all activities related to purchasing materials in accordance with policies, objectives, plans, and budgets including, but not limited to, the following activities:

• Purchase all line materials, uniforms, office supplies, and small tools.
• Coordinate vendor demonstrations with appropriate cooperative personnel.
• Review requisitions and coordinate with vendors to obtain product or service information such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues as they arise.
• Issue bids and review proposals.
• Negotiate contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
• Maintain the purchasing/procurement standard operating procedures.
• Provide the Accounting Department with accurate records of all materials and supplies handled.
• Purchase all vehicles, construction equipment, and trailers, including but not limited to assisting in preparing specifications, preparing and soliciting bids, and receiving.
• Ensure the transportation of materials and supplies.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of the Cooperative's transmission and distribution system for a more effective and efficient purchasing process.
• Coordinate the disposal of scrap materials in accordance with the Cooperative's policy.

Qualified applicants have at least three full years of current experience in purchasing and inventory control, preferably in a rural electric distribution environment. Additionally, you have the following:

• Solid knowledge of Cooperative processes and operations.
• Sound knowledge of RUS-approved list of materials, uniform system of accounts, and construction specifications manual.
• Strong working knowledge of procurement processes and best practices including planning for and overcoming extended lead times and supply chain issues.
• Knowledge of PC and software (preferably Microsoft Office Suite and NISC).
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations as they relate to purchasing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

About Southside Electric Cooperative, Inc

SEC strives to provide safe, reliable electricity and related services at the highest value to our member-owners. We exist to enhance the quality of life of the communities in which we serve and live. We achieve this mission by our actions that demonstrate integrity, fiscal responsibility, member engagement, community involvement, and by living out the cooperative principles. The relationship we have with the member-owners of SEC matters to us, and we work hard every day to prove this through our actions. We recognize that our member-owners expect to receive a quality of service which surpasses that typically associated with simply being a “customer” of an investor-owned utility. Our four district offices are located in the areas where we serve, and our employees live in these areas as well. Our employees are very active in our communities and participate in a number of ways to improve the areas in which they live. SEC employees are active volunteer fire fighters, EMTs, first responders, youth sports coaches, and Sunday school teachers, to name a few. Making Southside Virginia a better place to live and work is very important to us. It is inherent in our mission as a cooperative and it is a commitment we make, not only to our members but to our co-workers and our families.

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