Purchasing Jobs in Huntington Beach, CA

Buyer Position

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. The first review of applications is scheduled to occur for applications received before 5:00 PM on May 6, 2026. This recruitment may close at any time after that date, once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.

Here in Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team. At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Buyer for the Finance Department.

The Finance Department, through its four Divisions, provides financial management, oversight, monitoring, and reporting functions for the City's complex financial resources. The department accomplishes this objective by providing budgetary oversight, monitoring and preparation; purchasing and procurement expertise; accounting and financial reporting services; cashiering, accounts receivable and collections services; payroll and accounts payable services; and utility billing and business license customer service. The current vacancy is in the Budget Management Division.

The Division provides and coordinates the citywide purchases of goods and services, coordinates the competitive bidding process, and maintains the list of qualified vendors. Furthermore, the Division administers office supply orders, procurement cards, leasing, equipment replacement, professional services, fuel management, and copy machine programs.

The Position Under general supervision, the Buyer performs journey-level work in the cost-effective procurement of a wide variety of supplies, materials, equipment, and services used by all City departments.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Receives, examines, and processes departmental requests for supplies, materials, and services
• Consults with department personnel on procurement needs
• Generates and revises purchase orders including change orders
• Researches market for products and services; develops, reviews and analyzes specifications and standards for products
• Identifies and contacts vendors regarding procurement needs, specifications, bids and prices; invites, reviews and awards bids; investigates complaints
• Negotiates agreements or contracts; places orders with authorized vendors
• Maintains quality and price standards for items purchased
• Expedites delivery, billing and receiving documents
• Monitors and maintains contracts, leases and blanket purchase orders
• Troubleshoots problems with vendors, merchandise or deliveries
• Receives and responds to inquiries from other employees and vendors regarding procurement policies and procedures; may provide ongoing technical support, instruction, and assistance with the City's purchasing system as needed
• Provides purchasing support to the Emergency Operations team when the Emergency Operations Center is activated
• Assists with the management of the reprographics and mail room contract
• Generates routine correspondence and/or develop Requests for Quotations or Proposals, formal bids and other solicitations for supplies, materials or contract work
• Coordinates the Citywide credit card purchasing program or other related purchasing programs; activates new cards; collects and reviews statements, reconciles statements to master invoice and process for payment

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:

Education: Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in business or public administration, purchasing, accounting, finance, or other related field. A bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or other related field is desirable.

Experience: Three (3) years' professional experience purchasing materials, equipment, supplies, and services. Government purchasing experience desirable.

Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license with an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certificate issued by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing or the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council desirable.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a City or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work shall be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice program.

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all Huntington Beach City employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or disaster.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE:

• An online application must be fully completed.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate that they meet the minimum education, experience, license and/or certification requirements to be considered. Applicants whose qualifications best meet the City's needs will be invited to participate in a virtual oral examination (weighted 100%), which will be scheduled once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.
• Selection Interview
• Background
• Appointment