Buyer (Purchasing Department)

Job Description

Position Summary :

Responsible for performing central purchasing functions and related duties in accordance with established department procedures, County code, policies, and state and federal regulations. Responsibilities include specification development, review of requisitions for accuracy, sourcing, soliciting quotations, price analysis, and procurement of goods and services. Work requires frequent contact with vendors and department representatives / end users. Duties are usually performed with considerable independence under the supervision of the Director & Procurement Manager.

Position Responsibilities :

Essential Functions :

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to :

• Procure required goods and services, in a cost-effective manner and within the parameters of established regulations and procedures, determining whether to seek alternate supplier sources and / or competitive price quotes.
• Review requisitions as well as generates and submits purchase orders in the County's current Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System.
• Train, assist and guide end users in the regulations and procedures regarding procurement. This shall include training and support of end user department's entry and submission of requisitions in the County's ERP system.
• Prepare Requests for Quotation (RFQ) and obtains vendor quotations. Evaluates quotations using price comparison methods; calculates the effects of transportation, minimum orders, discounts and lead times; and identifies the responsive, responsible vendor providing the lowest cost quotation.
• Prepare, document, advertise, and administer Invitations to Bid (ITB) and Surplus Sales as assigned. Analyzes vendors' bids and makes recommendations to the Director and / or Procurement Manager to award contracts as the result of the public bidding process. This shall include but not be limited to all post award process / procedures and documentation.
• Assist the Director and / or Procurement Manager in the preparation, documentation, advertisement, and administration of Invitations to Bid (ITB) and Request for Proposals (RFP).
• Standardize specifications among multi-department users of similar items providing the County with the benefits of economies of scale.
• Expedite orders as required, troubleshoots and problem solves issues with purchase orders, settles discrepancies between invoices and purchase orders, and assures vendor compliance to specifications, schedules and other terms and conditions.
• Maintain professional liaisons with sales agents and vendors to stay up to date on new products and product specifications. Research market to find new suppliers of goods and services used by the County and stay current and well versed on publicly procured contracts available under which to obtain quotes.
• Maintain working knowledge and be able to apply and utilize cooperative and piggybackable contracts as needed in the procurement function.
• Advise and educate internal customers on current products; features, price, and availability of goods and services; and correct process to complete and submit a requisition.
• Arrange for samples and demonstrations of new products to internal customers. Keeps informed of the needs of internal customers.
• Special Projects as assigned by the Director and / or Procurement Manager.

Minimum Education and Experience :

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Physical Demands :

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent will frequently be required to sit for extended periods of time, stand, walk, talk or hear, and work with office equipment and work with electronic media which can create eye strain. Occasionally, the employee will be required to lift or carry up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment :

Normal office environment.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant / employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.