What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Buyer position at City of Modesto?
The Senior Buyer is responsible to organize, assign and review the work of assigned personnel engaged in buying materials, supplies, equipment, and services in order to support and enhance the delivery of City services; to prepare formal Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) and Requests for Bids (RFB’s) as needed to procure complex items and services; to procure, coordinate and facilitate the inventory management of Central Stores; to coordinate and facilitate proposal and bid evaluation and selection processes; and to perform the most complex and costly procurement activities.
- Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.
- Incomplete supplemental questionnaires will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
- A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
- Any work experience described in your supplemental question answers MUST also be found under Work Experience on your application.
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire.
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Duties:
Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff assigned to a variety of purchasing functions.
Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
Provide and coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
Assist with preparation of the division budget.
Prepare formal Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) and Requests for Bids (RFB’s).
Prepare Council staff reports requesting authorization to issue RFP’s and RFB’s and to award contracts.
Coordinate proposal and bid evaluation processes; arrange for panel or other review processes.
Receive, examine, and process the most complex and costly purchase requisitions; check for correct ordering, accounting, and departmental approval information; issue purchase orders.
Prepare complex equipment, materials, services specifications, and other necessary documents related to the purchase of supplies, equipment, services, and materials.
Research and identify new sources for use in bidding; obtain bid and price information by mail, phone, fax, computer, or direct contact with vendors; work with departments to prepare equipment, materials, services specifications, and other necessary documents to facilitate procurement.
Solicit, receive, calculate, and evaluate bids for price and quality; negotiate with vendors on behalf of the City; interview and correspond with vendors regarding their materials, services, and products; ensure vendors meet business license, insurance, and other City requirements.
Purchase highly sophisticated equipment and services; solicit bids and proposals from vendors; select or recommend appropriate vendors.
Assist departments in the development and achievement of their procurement goals; provide advice and assistance to department staff regarding the implementation of more effective procurement techniques.
Coordinate the development and issuance of complex blanket purchase orders; research requests; evaluate past usage; contact vendors for pricing and terms.
Respond to inquiries and clarify information from departments regarding purchasing process, supplies, equipment, and problems with invoices and purchase requisitions; provide assistance regarding the use of city-wide procurement software and related systems.
Understand and apply complex laws, regulations, ordinances, principles, practices, and procedures for purchasing.
Coordinate the development and implementation of more efficient procurement methods and techniques.
Maintain a variety of files, records, lists, and manuals; maintain and prepare periodic and special reports; prepare price, quality, and value comparisons in the evaluation of bids, materials, services, and equipment needs.
Prepare and make presentations to citizen groups, outside organizations, the City Council, and other groups, as necessary.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of technical and functional supervision and training.
Advanced purchasing principles and techniques including multi-step procurement, life-cycle costing analysis, systems contracting, and alternative procurement methods.
Advanced purchasing negotiation practices and techniques used in a public agency setting.
The preparation of RFP’s and RFB’s, and the evaluation of proposals and bids.
The use of specialized purchasing-related management information systems.
Materials, supplies, and equipment typically used in municipal services and the sources for such products.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Budgeting procedures and techniques.
Specialized purchasing-related management information systems.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff; effectively train staff.
Perform the most complex purchasing-related duties of the work unit.
Independently coordinate the purchase of a wide variety of supplies, materials, services, and equipment through routine and complex processes.
Develop new sources of supply.
Assist in analyzing, evaluating, and modifying purchasing methods and procedures.
Observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedure issues.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of responsible experience equivalent to a Buyer in the City of Modesto.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, purchasing, materials management, or a related field.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
Possession of a Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB), or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) certificate is desirable.
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some work may involve remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime and weekend work and travel is rare.
Salary : $72,176 - $87,714
