Senior Procurement Specialist (Construction) #2858 San Diego, Ca

Maintaining efficiency and economy in operations management requires flexibility in job assignments. While each employee shall have a primary responsibility for the job in which that employee has been hired or later promoted to, each employee may be expected to perform other jobs from time to time.

SUMMARY:

The Senior Procurement Specialist (Design and Construction) acts with a high degree of independence and conducts all design and construction related procurements that are highly complex in nature and may be either formal or informal with a high focus on capital improvement projects formal procurements over $150,000.

A key component of this role is to lead, coordinate, oversee, and manage the Procurement Specialist I function to ensure the progression of their development in the procurement skills and understanding to ensure all transactions are completed within the established turnaround times and in accordance with policies and procedures.

The parameters of this position will cover each procurement from beginning to end including but not limited to requests for bids and proposals, writing and overseeing the preparation of contracts, negotiating contract terms, researching and interpreting contract provisions, awarding contracts to vendors and working with Project Managers to facilitate contract closeouts.

This position is responsible for applying best practices and proactively identifying and leading innovative approaches to improve procurement processes, mitigate risk, and enhance customer service.

Application Review: Priority will be given to applications received by September 18, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential Functions

• Acts as a Subject Matter Expert in preparing and conducting effective and appropriately prioritized acquisition of capital improvement-related projects, including Architectural & Engineering (A&E), Construction, Construction Management Services, Job Order Contracting (JOC), and various other public works projects.
• Leads solicitations for moderate to highly complex formal procurements (e.g., construction, prequals, mini-RFPs for A&E, design build, etc.), including but not limited to, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitations for Bids (IFBs), as well as lead smaller projects, in accordance with local, state and federal regulations, as well as MTS policies and procedures.
• Analyzes and evaluates bids and proposals for content and price, administers the evaluation process, negotiates favorable contract terms, execute low to complex, and high value awards, drives all elements of the procurement process in accordance with authorized approval levels.
• Provides construction procurement technical expertise and guidance to professional or technical staff and bidding companies regarding contractual agreements and formal procurement processes.
• Manages cost improvement initiatives with the team and assist in searching out alternate suppliers to establish competition and to help minimize material shortages and stock outages.
• Mitigates risks associated with supply chain disruptions and supplier reliability, where possible.
• Maintains good relations with internal and external stakeholders to ensure quality standards, specifications and delivery schedules are met.
• Ensures that the deliverable goods and services meet MTS needs and requirements by assisting the requesting department with project planning and development of specifications and scope of work.
• Researches and interprets contract provisions including contract processes, penalties, and compliance terms.
• Resolves known or anticipated problems in value, quality, feasibility and specifications in the procurement of goods and services while contributing cost savings, supplier partnerships and other value-added activities to support customer needs and expectations.
• Supports the Assistant Manager to provide representation to other departments, outside agencies, provide assistance and share knowledge.
• Maintains an awareness of regulatory changes to ensure compliance with appropriate statutes, regulations, and Agency practices.
• Updates the SAP procurement system and documents procurements in hard copy and electronic format.
• Generates accurate and timely reports and drafts agenda items for the MTS Board of Directors.
• Provides continuous effort to improve procurement operations, streamline work processes and work cooperatively and jointly with others in to provide quality customer service.
• Assists with providing training to less seasoned staff and serves as a backup for the Assistant Manager as necessary.
• Maintains knowledge of A&E, design build, construction industry best practices, regulatory changes, and sourcing strategies.

Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following:

• Solicits small businesses, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE) to participate in the MTS procurement process.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; knowledge of concepts, methods of public procurement and professional contracting and/or procurement compliance; knowledge of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations, including public works and bonding requirements; knowledge of A&E, design build, construction industry, contract management, planning and scheduling, budgets and relevant technology; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; strong analytical and negotiation skills; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; understanding and knowledge of the technology market, hardware, software licensing, service level agreements (SLAs), bus and rail purchases, and various professional services; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire; skill in effectively supervising subordinates in order to achieve company goals; exceptional verbal and written communication skills; exemplary attention to detail and very strong critical analysis skills; exceptional organizational, prioritization and multi-tasking skills; exceptional interpersonal skills and understanding of customer relationship management; exceptional interpersonal skills and understanding of customer relationship management; exceptional collaborative and team-centric working style; strong presentation, leadership and management skills; excellent knowledge of procurement administration; ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them in an evolving environment while contributing to the development of new processes.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 15 pounds). Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key. Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed primarily in an office type environment and may require travel to external locations and agencies.

Experience/Education/Certificates/Licenses

Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in public administration or business administration, or a similar field. A minimum of five years of experience in public/government procurement and two years of experience across Design and Construction related procurements, including experience with A&E, construction industry, planning and scheduling, formal bidding, contract negotiations, and implementation in a high-volume public agency. Experience in a supervisory or manager role preferred. A combination of relevant education and applicable experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License or be able to utilize alternative transportation when needed to perform job-related essential functions.

GENERAL:

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable post-offer examinations, including but not limited to a pre-employment physical conducted by an independent medical provider, a comprehensive criminal background and credit check, and, when applicable, a pre-employment drug test as required by MTS Board Policy 35.

SALARY GRADE:

Salary offers are based on factors such as the knowledge, skills, abilities, and relevant experience of the successful candidate, while taking into account internal equity, budget constraints, and other market factors. This position is in salary grade #11, which has a minimum of $94,618 and a maximum of $134,358. Salary grades are typically adjusted annually to ensure they remain market competitive.

Additional perks and benefits include: 

• Up to 13 employer-paid days off per year, including 3 floating days  
• Free transit pass for you and your family  
• On-site gym and gym membership reimbursement  
• Walk, run, and bike event reimbursement  
• Employer-paid bereavement leave and jury duty  
• Tuition reimbursement  
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility  
• Company-paid training and professional development opportunities  
• And much more! 

Steven Rosales