Procurement Specialist

Long Beach Transit (LBT) is dedicated to connecting communities and moving people…making everyday life better.  Our vision is to be a leading provider of transportation options delivering innovative and high-performing services within a multi-modal network that transforms the social, environmental and economic well-being of the diverse communities we serve.

As an organization we focus our employees on our vision to:

• Consider the customer first in decision making by being of service to others
• Operate with Integrity-especially when no one is watching
• Be open to new ideas and Continuous Improvement – seek ways to improve current processes
• Be Proactive - take personal ownership especially when things go wrong.
• Cultivate the Potential of each and every employee – we must strengthen LBT through development and training

Under the direction of the Manager, Purchasing the Procurement Specialist delivers crucial analytical support to the Procurement department by analyzing data, identifying trends, and generating actionable insights to improve purchasing strategies. 

The role conducts financial analysis, spend analysis, and analyzes data for reports related to Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and to meet LBT’s reporting requirements. Additionally, this position conducts purchasing activities including handling purchase requisitions, soliciting vendor quotes, and the procurement of materials, supplies, and services in compliance with applicable public procurement rules and regulations. This role also includes administrative tasks to support the procurement department with office operations and administrative duties. 

• Develop, implement, track metrics, analytical tools and evaluate KPIs to analyze trends, patterns, and insights to inform decision-making.

• Collect and analyze procurement data to enhance purchasing decisions and provide insight into spending trends, supplier performance, cost-saving opportunities, and savings tracking

• Develop enhanced reports and presentations using data-driven insights to recommend strategies and provide leadership with actionable insights into procurement trends and spending.  

• Tracking contract expirations, renewal needs, and vendor certifications, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and agency procurement regulations and policies.

• Contract negotiations and performance monitoring to improve vendor accountability and service quality.

• Provides comprehensive administrative support ensuring effective coordination of activities and smooth operational workflows.

• Applicants should be excited about improving business processes using the latest technology trends and inspired by the future implementation of a new ERP.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

ATTRIBUTES AND SKILL SETS:

• Strong analytical skills with experience in Oracle databases, spreadsheets and statistical programs. 

• Technical proficiency with intermediate skills in MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and experience with graphics, database and internet applications. 

• Preferred proficiency in SQL and Python for data analysis and automation.

• Experience in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, capable of managing multiple activities concurrently. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills for developing and presenting reports and technical documents. 

• Effective collaboration skills with strong interpersonal tact and diplomacy. 

• High attention to detail, ensuring data integrity and accuracy. 

• Process-oriented with skills in documenting and streamlining processes for efficiency. 

• Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to align operational and financial activities with broader goals. 

• Project management skills are necessary to plan, coordinate and ensure proper implementation of all administrative matters related to the functioning of the department. 

• rations environment is desirable.

• PlanetBids software experience is a plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Supply Chain Management is required.

• Two(2) years of experience in finance, purchasing, data analysis and reporting preferred. 

• Experience with public contracting principles and reporting requirements is desirable. 

• Procurement experience within a transit operations environment is desirable.

• PlanetBids software experience is a plus