Purchasing Agent (Public Utilities)

Under limited supervision, the Purchasing Agent's (PA) key responsibilities include the procurement of a variety of commodities, services, and construction projects. The PA is exposed to a variety of professional disciplines, providing an opportunity for growth and must be knowledgeable of market factors such as availability, sources of supply, trends, pricing structures, grades and qualities that impact the procurement of commodities and services, and apply this knowledge to make effective purchases and to resolve associated challenges.

The PA must demonstrate superior customer service, integrity and commitment to innovation, efficiency and fiscally responsible activity, and models our RISE Service Standards of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence at the leadership level, serving as a role model for others.

• Performs specialized work in a central purchasing operation, works independently, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.
• Responsible for review of specifications and scope of work, preparation of solicitations, conducting pre-bid conferences, analysis of vendor responses, and award preparation and justification in a project based environment. 
• Exercise independent judgment in resolving problems and issues relative to vendors, perform technical research, prepare reports, and communicate orally and in writing with vendors, City user agencies and other governmental agencies on procurement issues.
• Reviews, corrects, and researches using agency's specifications to ensure competitive and nonrestrictive requirements; ensures basic requirements and industry standards/certifications are included; determines if licensing, insurance and bonding are required.
• Works with City Attorney's Office and departments to reach agreement on contract terms; monitor contract for performance compliance.
• Prepares technical bids, attend or conduct pre-bid meetings and bid openings, evaluates vendor responses for responsiveness, responsibility, and compliance with solicitation requirements, analyze bid responses, Prepare tabulation of bids, prepare makes recommendations for award/rejection of solicitations, or responses to vendor issues or protests and consolidate items for Commission Agenda.
• Processes and approves requisitions and purchase orders for compliance with Purchasing Ordinance. 
• Responsible for conducting presentations, outreach events, or pre-bid/proposal conferences and assists departments with procurement training needs. 
• Reviews and analyzes existing contracts to determine whether the contract should be renewed or resolicited and prepares recommendations for renewal. Processes recommended contract renewals.
• Performs related work as assigned.

*This position is a designated classification in the City's Emergency Operations Plan and may require the employee occupying this position to work for declared emergencies.

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in procurement, business, public administration, or closely related field. 
• Two (2) years in a centralized public section purchasing operation with some lead work experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 
• Experience in Public Utilities procurement preferred. 
• Must possess a procurement designation and/or certification from NIGP, UPPC or other national procurement agency within two (2) years of appointment.  
• Considerable knowledge of generally accepted standard purchasing principles, established procedures, departmental guidelines, and statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the work.
• Ability to work independently, in a creative and innovative environment, and to be willing to explore and advocate for change and/or alternative service delivery approaches.
• Working knowledge of budgeting principles and terminology.
• Ability to focus on detail and maintain organization.
• Ability to perform routine to moderately complex mathematical computations and tabulations accurately and efficiently, as they relate to purchasing.
• Ability to access, operate and maintain various software applications, including electronic bid systems.
• Ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations and effectively work through these situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to monitor own work to ensure quality, accuracy and thoroughness.
• Ability to apply attention to detail in reviewing and preparing necessary reports. 
• Ability to think outside the box, be creative and innovative.
• Ability to organize, prepare, process and maintain the required reports, records, documents and related information.
• Ability to work tactfully and effectively with Mayor and Council, associates, and other public officials and members of the public.   
• Must demonstrate behaviors that support the City's RISE standards and core values
• Required conduct is to be ethical and fair while representing the City. Must be responsible to adhere to all workplace policies that support ethical business practices and standards of conduct including, but not limited to, policies on Gifts and Conflict of Employment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, coworkers, elected and appointed officials, and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or political affiliation. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

Salary : $61,515 - $92,272