Senior Buyer

Waukesha County’s Department of Administration - Purchasing/Risk Division is seeking a Senior Buyer to join its team.  This position performs advanced level work in the purchasing of products and services on a Countywide basis and assists in the administration of the centralized purchasing program.

Why Join Us:

• Collaborative and supportive team environment that fosters innovation and professional development.
• Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits.
• Ongoing training and skill enhancement programs to keep you ahead of the curve.
• Work with a forward-thinking organization that values sustainability and ethical business practices.

Salary/Benefits:  the 2025 salary range is $74,422 to $98,426 (depending on qualifications) coupled with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including excellent health/dental/vision, life insurance, generous paid time off (vacation, 10 holidays, 3 floating holidays, ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year), an exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan. Amongst many other benefits, employees are recognized and valued through a pay for performance system. Successful candidates will be eligible for performance-based merit increases and non-base performance awards.
 
Employee well-being is promoted through a balanced work-life culture and through an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee's wellness and health, including an on-site health & wellness clinic.

If you are ready to take the lead, make a significant impact, and be part of a dynamic team, we want to hear from you! 

Prior to hiring, the successful candidate will be subject to work/education/certification reference(s) and a criminal background and driver's license check. 

1. Assists in administering the County's centralized, competitive bid, purchasing program in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and the Wisconsin State Statutes.
2. Purchases a wide variety of high volume and complex supplies, equipment, materials, and services; determines the most appropriate method of procurement; and coordinates the procurement process. 
3. Conducts comprehensive market research on products, vendors, and market conditions to determine effective purchasing strategies, and to develop budget estimates.
4. Develops and revises performance based product specifications.
5. Conducts multi-department and cooperative purchases; drafts combined specifications that meet needs of participants and vendors; conducts multi-agency cost analysis; and makes appropriate recommendations. 
6. Coordinates and works with departments on the request for proposal process for proprietary and professional services including drafting the RFP, developing the scope of service and evaluation criteria; facilitates all pre-proposal conferences with vendors and RFP evaluation meetings; communicates with vendors, evaluates responses, analyzes costs, recommends award, and negotiates contracts.
7. Drafts and coordinates the distribution of bid documents; facilitates all pre-bid conferences, communicates with vendors during Q&A and responds to any formal protests. 
8. Tabulates bids and conducts complex cost analyses; evaluates bids for compliance with specifications; and recommends award of bid. 
9. Conducts negotiations in the administration of purchases; negotiates issues in the development of contracts as directed; and may negotiate the price, terms, and conditions of purchases as necessary; drafts and facilitates the execution of contract documents along with any amendments.
10. May lead or assist in coordination of various programs and special projects such as the purchasing web site, e-procurement system, disposal and/or reallocation of surplus furniture and equipment, PCard program, Office Supply program and business continuity planning. 
11. Assists in the development, implementation, and revision of policies and procedures; and provides technical advice and assistance in the County’s purchasing procedures and policies.
12. Monitors vendor performance to ensure contract compliance in terms of service level, quality, and cost; and investigates and resolves complaints and problems.
13. Coordinates the County’s participation in joint cooperative purchasing efforts with other government agencies.
14. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with departments, vendors, governmental agencies, the general public, and co-workers. 
15. Prepares and presents complex oral and written reports and represents the division at various meetings and committees. 
16. Performs other duties as required.

1. Comprehensive knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to governmental purchasing. 
2. Comprehensive knowledge of the Model Procurement Code, the Uniform Commercial Code, and County ordinances relating to purchasing. 
3. Comprehensive knowledge of market research methods and tools, including use of the Internet.
4. Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of large-volume, competitive purchasing. 
5. Considerable knowledge of contract law. 
6. Considerable knowledge of automated procurement systems and other data processing capabilities and applications relating to purchasing functions. 
7. Ability to analyze data, make appropriate recommendations, and resolve problems.
8. Ability to devise, test, and compute complex, diverse mathematical formulas for the evaluation of bids and RFP's. 
9. Ability to plan, organize, and effectively present ideas, concepts, and recommendations, both orally and in writing.
10. Ability to negotiate contract terms and conditions, scope of work, and payment schedule with vendors. 
11. Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
12. Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple activities simultaneously.
13. Ability to utilize spreadsheet, word processing, and automated procurement applications.
14. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departments, vendors, governmental agencies, the general public, and co-workers.
15. Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyles.
16. Ability to plan, organize, and review the work of others. 
17. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
18. Ability to maintain accurate records, and to prepare and present detailed reports.

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized college/university in business or public administration, or a closely related field, AND two (2) years work experience in a large volume purchasing operation, preferably in the public sector.
  OR
• High School/GED and six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience in a large volume purchasing operation, preferably in the public sector.

• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification.
• Experience with Workday enterprise business applications software. 

About Us:  Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"

Salary : $74,422 - $98,426