AFSCME · 1 day ago
Procurement Specialist
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expAFSCME is seeking a Procurement Specialist responsible for advanced-level research, negotiations, and purchasing of goods and services. The role involves sourcing USA union-made suppliers, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with procurement guidelines while maintaining cost-effectiveness and operational readiness.
AssociationNon Profit
Responsibilities
Purchase approved supplies, hardware, software, and services in accordance with AFSCME procurement guidelines
Create Request for Proposals for all goods purchased. The RFP must provide detailed specifications, price structure, and timeline
Evaluate pricing structures, bid competitiveness, and vendor performance to ensure favorable terms and long-term cost-effectiveness
Responsible for sourcing and negotiation including researching and identifying potential supplies, requesting quotes, negotiating terms and prices, and requesting purchase orders from the Customer Service Project Technician
Responsible for supplier management. Developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers, monitoring their performance, and resolving any issues or concerns
Responsible for compliance and risk management. Ensuring all purchases comply with AFSCME policies and legal regulations. Analyze suppliers for potential risks and have contingency plans in place
Responsible for cost and quality control. Making purchasing decisions that optimize cost, quality, and logistics. Inspect and evaluate the quality of purchased items to resolve shortcomings
Responsible for reporting and analysis. Maintain accurate records of purchases and contracts. Analyze data and report on logistical performance, suggesting improvements to management
Obtain required competitive bids (minimum of three), develop bid specifications for requested goods or services from information provided by staff
Tracks procurement activity from request to delivery, maintaining full documentation and audit trails. Responsible for tracking all projects, status and all purchases electronically that are updated daily
Ensure purchased products are union-made and delivered accurately, on schedule, and at competitive prices
Collaborates with and assists the Assistant Director with procurement decision-making and prioritization, contract development, review, and administration
Responsible for procuring internet services for field offices. Maintain appropriate passwords and account information to move or cancel services
Maintain and track inventory for headquarters and field offices for assets purchase; ensure accurate records of location and status at all times
Apply asset tags to all capital purchases and ensure the asset tracking spreadsheet is current and accurate
Ship or distribute goods to management-authorized personnel and maintain accurate chain-of-custody documentation
Manage warranty and maintenance contracts, including coordinating service calls, installations, and subcontractor activities
Confirm delivery schedules, quantities, and service requirements; ensure compliance with contract terms
Support headquarters and field office moves, installations, and service activities in coordination with Administration
Ensure maintenance agreements are updated annually when required
Support the IT Department by maintaining Excel-based capital budget tracking, including complex formulas and detailed cost analysis
Track expenditures related to operating budgets, maintenance agreements, product invoices for vendors and AFSCME compliance. Verify all associated invoices and manage contract renewals (single and multi-year)
Coordinate contract language and terms with the Office of the General Counsel
Maintain collaborative relationships with vendors, union staff, internal departments, and brokers. Communicate expectations, specifications, and contract requirements clearly to all parties
Negotiate pricing, services, and terms that meet AFSCME’s standards while protecting organizational and union interests. Assess market trends to ensure AFSCME receives high-quality, cost-effective goods and services that are union produced
Develop a plan to leverage affiliate relationships to secure volume pricing advantages. Once approved, work with the Assistant Director of Administration to implement
Complete specification sheets and coordinate approvals with department directors and the Executive Office
Perform site visits for large purchases as required
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in purchasing software, goods and services or any equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Ability to secure favorable purchasing terms while maintaining collaborative and ethical vendor relationships
Skilled in bid evaluation, pricing analysis, market comparison, and vendor performance assessment
Ability to assess cost-effectiveness, budget impact, and long-term financial considerations
Familiarity with accounting principles and procurement cost structures
Strong negotiation, writing, communication, analytical and interpersonal skills
Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills
Knowledge of procurement methods, policies, and contract principles
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask
Ability to relay written and oral communication of requirements, expectations, and contract terms to vendors, managers, and union stakeholders
Ability to establish trust with vendors, internal departments, field staff, and brokers
Significant experience in reviewing contracts, pricing, delivery schedules, and compliance documentation
Strong knowledge of procurement practices, workflows, documentation, approval routing, and audit trails
Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access/Databases, PowerPoint) and internet research
Ability to represent AFSCME by ensuring fair-bidding practices and procurement policies
Ability to make sound purchase decisions, contract performance, and accurate recordkeeping
Maintains adherence to union policies, worker protections, and equitable sourcing practices
Ability to work independently on projects and complex tasks
Travel, extended work hours, and a driver's license are required
Company
AFSCME
AFSCME is the nation’s largest and fastest growing public services employees union with more than 1.6 million working and retired members.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Angela Seward
ACCOUNTING CLERK II
J Michael Downey
President Rhode Island Council 94 AFSCME,AFL/CIO
Recent News
The Philadelphia Inquirer
2025-08-27
The Hollywood Reporter
2025-04-10
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