Buyer (Open Until Filled)
- GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Performs responsible professional and technical work in the procurement of a wide variety of commodities and services for the County government; exercises independent judgment and applies acquired knowledge and skills in performing purchasing activities. Does related work as required.
- ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Prepares and issues Requests for Proposals (RFP), Invitations for Bid (IFB), and Requests for Quotation (RFQ); prepares legal advertisements for publication as required by County ordinance.
- Analyzes proposals, bids, and quotations for goods and services in terms of price, quality, and ability of the vendor to meet all terms and conditions. Issues notices of awards and notices of intent to award.
- Schedules and presides at pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences, evaluation committee meetings, and formal bid openings. Conducts vendor interviews, evaluations, and ranking of bid/proposal responses.
- Analyzes, evaluates, and makes recommendations concerning contract awards to vendors; verifies commodity and service quality; conducts negotiations with vendors; prepares and executes contractual documents.
- Monitors contracts for compliance and acts as a liaison between the vendor and County departments.
- Provides ongoing assistance to departments with procurement of goods and services.
- Provides information pertaining to vendor sources.
- Communicates with vendors and departmental staff to resolve issues involving the procurement of goods and services.
- Assists in the development and delivery of training for departments regarding procurement policy and systems.
- Assists in the preparation of budgets.
- Scans and maintains all documentation pertaining to project files into the document imaging system to ensure an acceptable audit trail.
- Prepares price/cost analysis of products and services.
- REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES
- EducationRequired: Combination of two or more years of education, training and experience in finance, business administration, purchasing or related field.
Preferred: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in finance, business administration, purchasing or related field.
ExperienceRequired: Some finance, business, purchasing or related experience.
Preferred: Two (2) or more years of experience and/or training in purchasing.
Certifications/ LicensesPreferred: One or more certifications: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Professional Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), or Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO).Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- General knowledge of purchasing principles and practices; rules, regulations and legislation governing purchasing activities.
- Some knowledge of sources of materials, supplies and services.
- General knowledge of contracting methods, types, principles and procedures as they apply to the public procurement process.
- General knowledge of business practices; market conditions; accounting practices and procedures; and computerized purchasing systems.
- Ability to develop and analyze specifications for bids, proposals, and quotations.
- Ability to effectively negotiate with departments and vendors.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Additional RequirementsSubject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. Must also be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesNone - OTHER INFORMATION
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefit package that includes:
• Progressive Flexible Leave Plan with cash-in option
• Twelve paid holidays
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Medical and Dependent Care
• Virginia Retirement System - Membership in VRS is automatic upon hire into a covered position. County contributes and employees pay their membership contribution.
• Deferred Compensation Plan with County Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Credit Union Membership