Buyer I or Buyer II

Description

Job Summary

The Buyer I or II is responsible for coordinating the timely purchase, delivery and security of materials, equipment and supplies for the District. The Buyer must ensure purchasing policies and procedures comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Prepare and issue purchase orders. Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to PUD policy. Receive, account for and deliver materials.
• Monitor state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to public agency purchasing, particularly RCW 54 and RCW 39. Interpret and apply PUD policy and procedures and make recommendations for improvement to process.
• Correspond with manufacturer representatives and agents regarding quotes, bids, delivery schedules and performance. Monitor and report on changes in price and delivery dates.
• Analyze market and delivery conditions to determine present and future material availability. Maintain optimal inventory in the most cost-effective manner.
• Assist in reconciliation of an annual inventory of utility materials and equipment. Arrange for disposal of surplus material according to PUD policy.
• Attend Materials Standards committee meetings and attend quarterly meetings.
• Perform all other work as may be required or directed.
• Responsibilities included in this description do not preclude others from performing any or all of these duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of public agency bidding and purchasing requirements.
• Knowledge of utility electrical, water and wastewater systems and their materials and equipment needs.
• Ability to collect and analyze information to make cost effective purchasing decisions.
• Knowledge of utility work order and purchase order systems.
• Knowledge of standard office computer equipment and applications.
• Requires frequent personal or telephone contact with vendors.
• Handle multiple projects and deadlines; set priorities and be productive with little direct supervision; demonstrate good organizational skills.
• Maintain a professional and courteous manner with customers and fellow employees.

• Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, public and other employees. Ability to listen to others, speak in conversation and at meetings, and on two-way radio or telephone. Use independent and discretionary judgment, communicating effectively, orally and written.
• Enter data and converse with both internal and external simultaneously.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, effectively, and respectfully, both orally and in writing.
• Communicate effectively with peers, public and other employees. Ability to listen with understanding, interact in conversations, during meetings or on the telephone.
• Prioritize workday with minimal assistance or direction.
• Adhere to schedules and structured business operations.
• Multi-task with demonstrated organizational skills.
• Work safely, independently and in a team environment. Must be able to work as a team player and facilitate cooperation by having the drive to serve others.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions.
• Seeks ways to continuously improve processes and outcomes and effectively communicate proposals for solutions

Typical Qualifications

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Two years of public purchasing experience which includes using purchasing practices, procedures, and techniques such as writing specifications, placing purchase orders, and processing requisitions. This experience must include developing agreements, contracts, and bids and contract management.
Education: A Bachelor's degree in business administration or accounting. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be qualifying.
Professional license or registration: Professional certificate in purchasing (such as such as Institute for Supply Management (ISM), National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Certification is preferred (CPPB, CPPO, or CPSM)) or four years of progressively responsible experience in utility purchasing or material management required. Forklift Certification and First Aid/CPR Certification require or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire date.
Valid Driver license: Yes, valid driver’s license in state of residence.

Professional Competencies:

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard operating systems and office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with proven ability to be detail-oriented, prioritize workloads, multi-task, and maintain a professional demeanor.

Supplemental Information

Typical Physical Demands/Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required listen with understanding and explain concepts in multiple ways.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will use a keyboard, mouse, and telephone.
• This is semi sedentary role; with the occasional requirement of heavy lifting in receiving and delivering of materials, along with the ability to safely operate a forklift.
• Request for accommodation will be reviewed on an individual basis.
• Post-offer background check required
• Post-offer drug test required