Purchasing Agent

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision responsible for the procurement of supplies, materials and equipment of the desired grade and quality at prices favorable to the city.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

Ability to communicate with the public (vendors) and other city employees to answer questions and / or gather information regarding service, pricing, delivery, invoicing, etc.

Ability to review specifications, perform research and prepare bid documents for items prescribed by State statutes, conduct bid openings, evaluate responses, and prepare written recommendations for award by City Council.

Ability to access, input and retrieve information from the financial system.

Ability to fairly administer contracts and resolve areas of dispute and disagreement with departments and vendors related to specification development, product requirements, delivery, invoicing, etc.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS :

Ability to conduct training in concise, logical order to all levels of personnel within the city.

Ability to prepare requests for quotation, issue purchase orders to vendors for supplies and materials and investigate and research sources of supply.

Ability to prepare special reports and / or other related duties as needed or directed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required :

Knowledge of state statutes, local government codes, municipal ordinances, policies and procedures regarding purchases of supplies, equipment and contracting for services.

Knowledge of price quotations systems and discounting procedures.

Knowledge of local vendors, products, services and local marketing trends.

Skill in writing specifications for the purchase of equipment, materials and supplies.

Skill in identifying potential vendor sources and reasonable prices for a variety of equipment, materials and supplies.

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to obtain information from city personnel, to negotiate purchases or contracts and resolve problems with vendors.

Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication.

Ability to analyze, research and investigate information and data.

Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including but not limited to PC, keyboard, CRT, calculator and telephone.

Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including, but not limited to performing data entry, sorting and writing.

Qualifying Education and Experience :

Must successfully complete required pre-employment screen which includes criminal background check. A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field.

Two years’ experience in purchasing equipment, supplies, materials and services through competitive bidding and preparing specifications, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Employment contingent upon the successful completion of criminal background check.