Senior Buyer

Description

Under general supervision, performs moderately complex and technical duties relating to the City’s purchasing program and activities, including, but not limited to procuring requested materials, supplies, equipment and services; negotiating contracts; and independently performing other purchasing related assignments. Prepares specifications for common use items and collaborates with technical and administrative personnel in city departments in handling routine, special or extraordinary transactions and forecasting demand. Manages both formal and informal purchasing processes in accordance with city, state, and federal mandates. Reviews requisitions for completeness and conformance to requirements with the City’s Purchasing Ordinance. Prepares bid and RFP specifications and related documents, approves requisitions, generates and makes revisions to purchase orders as directed; and posts bids/RFQs/RFPs accurately and timely. Prepares contracts resulting from bid and RFP specifications and related documents. Reviews supplier performance in conjunction with city departments to optimize cost savings and supply chain optimization across the city. Manages the bid process including, but not limited to, analyzing bid tabulations, comparing bids with specifications to determine the best bid, processing award recommendation, initiating the contract process, and supervising the preparation of purchase orders. Responsible for ensuring that the supplier selection process is fair and equitable and that the delivery of materials and services is timely. Answers inquiries and advises department personnel of status of bids and awards. Prepares and submits reports regarding cost savings results and other related subjects as requested; and conducts analytical studies and surveys and prepares recommendations and reports based on analysis and findings. May assist and actively participate in periodic training on procurement initiatives, policies and procedures and interprets and enforces purchasing ordinances, policies, and procedures. Reports any unusual situations or circumstances to their supervisor.

The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may perform additional related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The examination will consist of rating your training and experience as contained on your application. It may also include a written test, an oral test, or a combination thereof. All parts of the examination, including tests and ratings, will be related to the requirements of the position. The examination will be designed to measure the following:

General Knowledge of:

• Purchasing principles, policies, procedures and practices and the rules and ordinances governing municipal procurement.
• Contracts, contract language, and market trends.

• Establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with City officials, colleagues, and vendors and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Respond promptly and effectively to emergency situations.
• Multi-task, plan, prioritize and work independently in order to meet established or statutory deadlines.
• Comprehend, analyze, interpret, and apply insurance policies/endorsements, purchasing related policies and procedures, and federal, state and municipal laws, statutes, and ordinances.
• Analyze quotes or bid responses for compliance with procurement rules and regulations.
• Perform research relating to purchasing functions.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of tasks.
• Learn the purchasing needs of the various departments of the municipal government.
Prepare specifications, analyze bids and perform other necessary purchasing function

Qualifications

Open to all qualified applicants who meet the following qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college with major work in public or business administration or a related field and three (3) years of responsible purchasing experience.

A Master’s Degree in public or business administration from an accredited college may be substituted for one (1) year of the experience requirement.

If selected, you will be required to pass a physical examination administered by a City physician, a drug and alcohol screening, and a background check. If appointed, you will serve 3-12 months of probation. This examination and employment process is subject to all federal, state, and municipal laws, rules and regulations.

Other Information

• Application must be completed in its entirety, including required documentation. Applications without proper documentation shall result in your disqualification.
• All correspondence and information concerning the application and testing process will occur via email, unless otherwise requested at the time of application.
• Please be sure to check your junk and spam email for all recruitment communication.
• Applications via facsimile or email are not accepted.

• Hartford Residency Preferred: Preferably be a bona-fide resident of the City of Hartford at the time of application. A completed City of Hartford Residency Affidavit including proof of residency as indicated on the RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT may be submitted.
• Veteran's Preference Form: Preferential Points may be given to Eligible Veterans. Must submit a Veteran's Preference Form, along with a DD-214 and Disability letter (if applicable) from the Office of Veteran's Affairs.
• Americans With Disabilities Act: The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.