Basic Function

Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, coordinate the purchasing process of materials, supplies, equipment and services for the District in compliance with applicable rules, regulations and policies; perform a variety of technical purchasing tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Representative Duties

Examine and evaluate current purchasing trends that affect price and availability; recommend improvements and modifications to activities and procedures; monitor compliance of purchasing procedures with applicable laws and regulations.

Coordinate maintenance and compliance of District business contracts and associated contract database.

Examine and evaluate new and alternative products and sources of supply; conduct vendor interviews; arrange for and participate in tests and demonstrations of supplies and equipment; notify staff of new products/vendors that are one the market; verify funds are available for purchases; reviews and recommends potential vendors and procurement of new products; researches and resolves product, pricing and distribution complaint issues with vendors; maintenance of all vendor files.

Coordinate, research, prepare and type formal bids and quotations, service agreements and leases; maintain bidding calendar; put together invitations to bid packages, including technical specifications, required bonds and general and special conditions required by the District; advertise public bids in newspaper; keep vendor bid list updated.

Provide coordination, information and assistance to District staff regarding purchasing matters. Answer telephone and provide information related to purchasing activities as appropriate; train staff in purchasing process, policy and regulations.

Implement and maintain e-procurement system for the District. This will include a variety of difficulty and complete technical and paraprofessional buyer duties that require an excellent working knowledge of purchasing functions and accounting functions for the assigned office, as well as of public educational institutions. Act as a point person for e-procurement, training staff on usage and responding to questions; resolving routine problems with the system.

Review trade publications and journal, and maintain files of vendors, catalogs and listings; assist in the maintenance of computerized records related to the purchasing function.

Prepare a variety of reports and statistical information. Maintain accounting records for governmental funds; prepare and analyze financial statements; prepare billings and claims; prepare budget projections and other specialized reports; prepare State reports; review reports for accuracy and completeness. Maintain a variety of purchasing files and records.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in business or a related field and Five years of increasingly responsible experience in all phases of the acquisition process, including experience in purchasing on a wide variety of materials, supplies, services and equipment and contract/vendor administration, including a minimum of two years experience in the public sector, all other experience must include experience in which functions were at least 50% in purchasing functions.

OR Bachelor of Science degree in business or a related field and Three years of increasingly responsible experience in all phases of the acquisition process, including experience in purchasing on a wide variety of materials, supplies, services and equipment and contract/vendor administration, including a minimum of two years experience in the public sector, all other experience must include experience in which functions were at least 50% in purchasing functions.

Certification as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or completion within one year of employment is highly desirable.