Buyer I

1.  Purpose of Position

Under the direction and supervision of the Purchasing Director, the purpose of the position is to acquire services, supplies, and goods as required by the assigned department at a competitive price in a time-efficient manner and to provide basic routine administrative support work relating to the purchasing function. Position is responsible for the submission of invitation to bid; review, analysis, and purchase of supplies, services and goods; review of methods of acquisition; and preparation of purchase orders and related documentation. Performs related work as directed.

1.  Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Checks and reviews market sources and vendors to ensure most cost effective and competitive
2. pricing for the purchase of commodities.
3. Determines and reviews methods of acquisition including method, time and place, and courier as appropriate. 
4. Create files and updates vendor files and related documentation.
5. Prepares invitations for bid and/or obtain quotes from vendors for purchases.
6. Reviews, monitors, and performs follow-up of purchases to ensure continued compliance with contracted vendors and provides direction accordingly. 
7. Maintains up-to-date vendor relationships and customer service with vendors and end-users. 
8. Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments regarding governmental purchasing procedures, regulatory changes, and new technologies. 
9. Place orders for a variety of equipment, supplies, and materials for county departments.
10. Confer with consultants, contractors and suppliers in order to acquaint them with procurement policies and procedures.
11. Maintain the integrity of the public procurement process.
12. Provide guidance and assistance to other employees, as required.
13. Provide accurate, complete and up-to-date information in a courteous, efficient and timely manner.
14. Attend seminars, conferences, workshops, etc. for professional development purposes.
15. Perform other related duties as required.
16. Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

1. Confer with suppliers concerning late deliveries and defective/unacceptable products. Determine problem sources and take corrective action.
2. Assist with the maintenance of office files and records.
3. Order office supplies.
4. Attend various county meetings regarding assigned functions.

 

1.  Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions    

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by college level coursework with emphasis in Business Administration, Public Administration, Purchasing, Marketing or closely related field; Associate’s degree preferred. Minimum of two (2) years previous experience in administrative support functions related to government, government purchasing, or other, related business functions. Two or more years’ experience and/or education with MS Office suite including Excel and Word; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

1.  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
2. Knowledge of generally accepted purchasing principles, established procedures, departmental guidelines, and regulatory requirements applicable to the work.
3. Ability to understand, follow and direct written and oral instructions.
4. Ability to read, update, evaluate and maintain various records and files.
5. Ability to access, operate and maintain various software applications.
6. Ability to clearly communicate information both orally and in writing.
7. Ability to operate basic office equipment, e.g., computers, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, and other digital-based equipment.
8. Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
9. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all personnel, departmental personnel, supervisors, and vendors.
10. Skill in the principles and practices of governmental purchasing management and analysis.
11. Skill in performing routine-to-moderately complex mathematical computations and tabulations accurately and efficiently, as they relate to Purchasing.