Buyer

Job Description:

Buyer

Description

Job Summary
Procures materials, equipment, and services; issues bid and proposal invitations and recommends the acceptance or rejection of bids and proposals according to prescribed policies and regulations; performs contract administration duties.
Essential Job Functions

• Receives, reviews, and processes purchase requisitions for the City and its departments; verifies compliance with pertinent laws, regulations, codes, and City policies and standards; reviews information to ensure it is complete, accurate, and order parameters are clear and understood; coordinates with department representatives to clarify or obtain additional information.
• Coordinates the procurement of materials, goods, and services through various procurement methods; develops a variety of technical specifications, Requests for Proposals ( RFP ), Requests for Qualifications ( RFQ ), and Requests for Bids ( RFB ); ensures and monitors that all applicable legal and contractual provisions are included to safeguard the City’s interests; evaluates bids, performs price/cost analyses, and assesses terms; calculates discounts, delivery conditions, and the quality and suitability of supplies, materials, and equipment; determines or recommends the award of bids to appropriate vendors.
• Conduct public bid openings and public pre-bid conferences.
• Prepares, monitors, and reviews contracts for goods and services.
• Assists with training department users on purchasing processes and procedures.
• Represents the Purchasing Department in interactions with customers, management, and other City personnel in procurement matters; answers questions and provides information regarding policies, bid notices, bid openings, bid specifications, bid awards, etc.
• Receives, responds to, investigates, and resolves procurement-related inquiries and concerns; resolves shipping and invoice discrepancies and level of service issues, or non-compliance with purchasing policies, practices, and procedures; coordinates with vendors to resolve performance and delivery issues, including the need to expedite orders; interprets and explains applicable laws, regulations, codes and policies; promptly responds to requests for emergency orders.
• Ensures that vendors meet City needs; establishes, develops, and maintains positive vendor relationships; researches, assesses and identifies vendors for products and services within areas of assigned responsibility; interviews vendors to evaluate products and services and to obtain information for use in developing proposals; educates and communicates with vendors regarding purchasing policies and procedures.
• Establishes, organizes, and maintains applicable purchasing and vendor-related records, files, lists, forms, and other documentation.
• Writes, compiles, develops, edits, revises, and produces necessary correspondence, reports and other materials; inputs accurate and complete information into the system of record.
• Assists with monitoring and disposing of surplus, obsolete and salvageable property as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Responds regularly and promptly to work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a similar field of study plus at least two (2) years of work experience related to the procurement of supplies, materials, equipment, and/or services; OR an Associate’s Degree plus at least four (4) years of experience as listed above; OR a High School Diploma/ GED plus at least six (6) years of experience as listed above.
• Governmental purchasing experience/certification is a plus.

Equivalent combinations of related education, experience, certification, and training may also be considered.

Licenses, Certifications & Special Requirements

• Texas Class C driver’s license with a good driving record as measured by the City’s evaluation system.
• Current professional purchasing and/or contract management certification is preferred, but not required. Examples include: Certified Professional in Supply Management ( CPSM ), Certified Procurement Professional ( CPP ), Certified Professional Public Buyer ( CPPB ), Certified Sustainable Procurement Manager ( CSPM ), and/or Certified Professional Contract Manager ( CPCM ).

Salary:

$25.00-$35.00/hour (depending on experience)