The City of Boca Raton is seeking a Buyer I to perform routine professional procurement duties which require general working knowledge of municipal procurement policies and procedures to effectively procure a variety of services, supplies, materials, and equipment. As part of the Financial Services team, the Buyer I will partner with internal and external clients to meet the procurement needs of the City. 

Working independently, under the regular supervision of the Purchasing Manager, the Buyer I works in direct contact with the general public, vendors, and City officials and staff on procurement objectives, including sourcing vendors, requesting quotations, and preparation of solicitations. The Buyer I exercises independent judgement to make recommendations relative to procurement strategies to achieve the best value for the City, resolve procurement issues, and adhere to procurement best practices, protocols, and procedures.

• Processes purchase requisitions and issues Purchase Orders; verifies available funding and utilizes procurement process in compliance with State and City procurement regulations
• Develops and researches specifications, reviews specifications for clarity, accuracy, and necessary related information
• Researches a variety of sources, documents, etc. to ensure the adequacy of specification in terms of clarity, precision, and related criteria
• Prepares, solicits, and processes bids, request for proposals, quotations, and compliance checklists; escalates more complex solicitations as needed
• Drafts, for review and approval, council recommendation letters for awards and assists the City departments in contract management

• Issues purchase orders or contracts as needed following award approval
• Conducts bid openings, pre-bids and other meetings in accordance with The Sunshine Law
• Reviews, researches, and verifies submittals of sole source procurements received from Departments
• Partners and coordinates with department representatives regarding solicitations throughout their progression 
• Researches and obtains government to government contracts wherever relevant
• Demonstrates a high degree of time management to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks with varying deadlines simultaneously
• Keeps abreast of changes in policies, regulations, and directives to determine the effect on overall operations; Advises City departments and Vendor Community on procurement policies and procedures

RELATED TASKS: 

• Monitors and updates the status of annual contracts listed within Enterprise Resource System 
• May act as chairperson for selection committees and assist Department in contract negotiations
• Partners internally to cross train on progressive responsibilities and tasks for future development

Knowledge of:

• Business methods, markets and procurement practices
• State and City procurement regulations as well as laws relating to public procurement
• Standard office procedures, practices, and equipment
• Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe, and Outlook) Intermediate level of expertise 

Skilled in:

• The use of computers and software applications to a high degree of proficiency
• Excellent communication, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent command of grammar and ability to write, edit and proofread for accuracy and produce clear and concise written specifications 

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, City staff, and the public
• Demonstrate a high degree of attention to detail to proofread and check documents for accuracy
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Exercise discretion and good judgment in performing the procurement function
• Articulate ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in written form
• Manage tasks and deadlines in an organized and professional manner.
• Learn and effectively utilize the City financial software (Oracle) and electronic bidding software (Ionwave)

• An associate’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent amount of college level coursework in business administration, contract management, purchasing or related field
• One (1) year of professional experience in the procurement of goods and services
• Previous direct experience in local government procurement is highly preferred
• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class ‘E’ driver’s license

Additional experience is accepted as a minimum requirement in lieu of the postsecondary degree on the following basis: additional four (4) years in lieu of the bachelor’s degree, and additional two (2) years in lieu of an associate degree.

POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post offer, pre-employment screening items which may include:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check