Purchasing - Buyer I​/II​/III

City Hall, 555 Walnut Street, Abilene, Texas, United States of America

Posted Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Under the general direction of the Purchasing Manager and Purchasing Supervisor, the Buyer performs purchasing support functions for the Purchasing Division and City departments related to the procurement of materials, supplies, equipment, and services. This position processes and reviews purchasing documentation, maintains accurate records, and provides customer service to vendors and internal departments. The Buyer applies knowledge of established purchasing policies, procedures, and applicable laws to ensure transactions are complete and compliant.

This role supports purchasing operations but does not have authority to make final procurement decisions.

This position exercises no supervision.

• Assist with bid openings, reviewing documentation for completeness, and preparing bid tabulations.
• Maintain vendor files and contact information.
• Work collaboratively with departments to resolve purchasing questions, discrepancies, or workflow issues.
• Monitor open purchase orders and follow up on order status, delivery issues, or necessary change orders.
• Support surplus property activities and auction process with the Purchasing Manager and Purchasing Supervisor.
• Support maintaining accurate purchasing records and ensuring adherence to retention requirements.
• Provide customer service to vendors and internal departments regarding purchasing procedures and requirements.
• Provide support for purchasing operations, including data entry, scanning, filing, and record maintenance.
• Process requisitions and purchase orders for routing and ensure documentation is complete.
• Assist with the preparation of bid packets, addenda, meeting notices, and related communications.
• Maintain bid logs, vendor lists, mailing lists, and internal databases.
• Schedule bid openings and meetings; sign-in sheets, and record bid opening results.
• Respond to inquiries from vendors and internal departments regarding purchasing processes and required documents.
• Assist in maintaining purchasing files for compliance with public record and retention requirements.
• Assist Purchasing Manager and Purchasing Supervisor with routine clerical tasks related to procurement activities.
• Operate a City vehicle or personal vehicle to visit other work locations, attend meetings, and events.

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Basic purchasing principles, terminology, and practices.
• Office procedures, recordkeeping, and documentation standards.
• Purchasing workflows such as requisitions, purchase orders, and vendor files.
• Customer service principles.
• ERP or purchasing software systems at a basic user level.

• Prepare and process purchasing documents accurately.
• Enter and retrieve data using ERP systems and office software.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with vendors and internal departments.
• Organize, scan, file, and maintain purchasing records.
• Follow established procedures and workflows.
• Provide courteous and responsive customer service.
• Work cooperatively in a team environment.

• Learn and apply established purchasing policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records with attention to detail.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Meet deadlines and manage routine work assignments.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

• Purchasing processes and procedures, including informal quote requirements.
• Public-sector procurement requirements and compliance principles.
• Competitive bidding support processes, including bid documentation and tabulations.
• Vendor onboarding and maintenance requirements.
• Records…