Purchasing Specialist

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Purchasing Agent, the Purchasing Specialist provides a variety of administrative responsibilities relating to the purchasing of supplies, materials, equipment, and contractual services for agencies, offices, and departments of Blount County. Additionally, the incumbent participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides a variety of administrative responsibilities relating to the purchasing of supplies, materials, equipment, and contractual services for agencies, offices, and departments of Blount County Including, but not limited to answering phones, research pricing, assisting with vendor W-9 requests, monitoring general email, filing and maintaining departmental records

• Run daily vendor spend report and track actual off contract vendor spending

• Research specifications for accuracy and any competition restrictions

• Research state contracts and cooperative purchasing agreements for possible
  sources

• Prepare/process requisitions

• Assist users in correcting and troubleshooting purchase order requirements

• Interface with department heads and vendors concerning specifications, products, services, and proposed bids

• Attend pre-bid meetings and document discussions in a bid file as time/staffing
  permits

• Monitor work during the course of the contract for compliance within the
  specifications

• Schedule vendor appointments and interviews

• Update and maintain vendor information for organization including bids

• Stay au courant on developments in the purchasing field by attending meetings,
  seminars, and workshops

• Manage the sale of transfer of surplus property

• Manage surplus sale of property on gov.deals and facilitate pickup of sold property

• Reviews journals and periodicals and serves on in-house committees and teams

• Assist the Purchasing Agent with the management of the surplus and

• Perform other assigned duties.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• High school diploma/GED required

• Associate’s Degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a similar field preferred

• Two plus (2+) years of experience as a purchasing specialist or in a similar role

• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or APICS training programs and certifications preferred

• Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience and

• Valid driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Knowledge of departmental practices and systems.

• Good working knowledge of purchasing strategies.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and with business application software, purchasing, and resource planning systems.

• Team player with strong organizational skills.

• Skilled in the use of small office equipment, including copy machines and/or
  multi-line telephone systems.

• Skilled in using computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting
  purposes.

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

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

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

• Ability to cooperate with fellow employees as team members.

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.