Buyer

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Purchasing Agent, the Buyer initiates, coordinates, and participates in the acquisition of specialized contractual arrangements between Blount County Government and selected suppliers to ensure procurement of high-quality merchandise and services at optimum prices, while complying with local, state and federal laws, policies, and procedures. Considerable independent judgment is required to carry out assigned duties. The Buyer will perform professional and administrative duties in the process of acquiring goods and services for Blount County Government.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Share responsibility for the competitive bidding process. This process includes formulating and preparing invitations for Bids and Requests for Proposals for all types of contracts.

• Prepare requests and specifications for competitive sealed bids and requests for proposals and/or qualifications to ensure compliance with the County’s bid thresholds.

• Process purchase requisitions and ensure compliance with all applicable laws both state and Federal, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.

• Provide a variety of administrative responsibilities relating to the purchasing of supplies, materials, equipment, and contractual services for agencies, offices, and departments of Blount County.

• Maintain bid and contract documentation for all competitive bids/proposals.

• Research specifications for accuracy and any competition restrictions.

• Review state contracts and cooperative purchasing agreements for possible sources, including performing market research and/or product research as needed.

• Interface with department heads and vendors concerning specifications, products, services, bids or proposals, vendor capacity, vendor performance, compliance, and delivery.

• Conduct and/or attend pre-bid meetings required in the bidding process.

• Document questions and discussions held during the pre-bid for the bid file.

• Negotiate contract pricing and term bid renewals.

• Evaluate bids and proposals to determine “Best Value.”

• Evaluate proposal responses offered, pricing data, scope of services, and contract terms.

• Prepare evaluation reports with award recommendations for the Purchasing Agent and the associated Department Head requesting an award.

• Ensure contract documents are maintained with Blount County Procurement regulations, including contract extensions, renewals, and modifications.

• Schedule vendor appointments and interviews as necessary.

• Update and maintain vendor information for bids and/or proposals in the online bidding system and the financial system.

• Remain abreast of developments in the purchasing field by attending meetings, seminars, and workshops. Review professional journals and periodicals.

• Prepare and/or process purchase orders.

• Serve on in-house committees and cross functional teams.

• Coordinate meetings with the provider to observe new technology, or other discussions as needed.

• Assist Departments with budgetary projections for goods and services as requested.

• Current Notary Public or ability to acquire.

• Perform other assigned duties as requested by the Purchasing Agent.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• Bachelor’s Degree in finance, law, business management, public administration, or a related field with a business concentration

• Five (5) years of buying experience, procurement, contract management, and/or financial experience

• Possession of procurement or contract management related certifications such as the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM), Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM), or the Commercial Contract Manager Certification (CCMC). The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC)’s Certifications are preferred, but not required

• Equivalent training, education, and/or experience may be considered and

• Valid driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Knowledge of departmental practices and systems.

• Skillful using small office equipment, including copy machines and/or multi-line telephone systems.

• Skillful using computers for word processing, data analysis and/or accounting purposes.

• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and an orientation towards customer service.

• Ability to work in a dynamic environment that requires adaptation to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

• Ability to organize, and effectively communicate orally and in writing.

• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Ability to maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.

• Ability to work independently or as a part of a team.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools and/or controls. The position requires mobility. Duties may involve moving materials weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while operating equipment, such as computer keyboard, mouse, calculator and similar machines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Most work is performed in a well-lighted, modern office setting with centrally controlled heating and air conditioning.

BENEFITS

Full time benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, optional USAble, paid holidays, paid sick days, paid vacation, EAP, retirement planning, pension, employee clinic, employee discounts, and more.