Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent I

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a detail‑oriented and service‑driven Purchasing Agent I to join our Finance team. In this role, you’ll coordinate bids, contracts, and purchase orders across City departments—ensuring fair, efficient, and compliant procurement practices. From preparing bid documents to supporting internal customers and process improvements, you’ll play a key role in keeping City operations running smoothly.

At the City, we are committed to hiring staff that reflects our community’s diverse backgrounds. This position is crucial to the success and strategic direction of our growing and evolving community.

• Prepare bid documents for goods and services utilizing the City’s e‑procurement solution.
• Conduct formal bid openings, tabulate, analyze, and evaluate bid results; award bids to successful bidders.
• Prepare and administer contracts for services, professional services, and long‑term purchases.
• Prepare and upload resolutions for city council approval as required.
• Publish and upload addendums, attachments, bid tabulations, and bid requests via the City’s e‑procurement system.
• Process purchase order requests received from all departments.
• Respond to questions and serve as a resource for citywide internal customers regarding purchasing policies and contract information in a professional manner.
• Identify trends and report on quality control (QC) to help identify areas for continuous process improvement.
• Work proactively with city departments in determining purchasing demands and requirements.
• Participate in the Iowa Public Procurement Association (IPPA) and The Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP) to ensure that all citywide contracts and bid procedures are followed and executed in compliance with purchasing industry and city standards.
• Assume responsibility for purchasing activities on assigned projects and meet project deadlines.
• Perform related work as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree in Business, Finance, or closely related field and
• One (1) to three (3) years’ experience in finance or purchasing, preparing a variety of solicitations and contracts, or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Additional qualifications

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population.

Monday – Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history).

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process.

To request an accommodation, contact the City’s Human Resources department by phone at 319‑286‑5000 or by email at hr@cedar‑rapids.org.

• Multiple health insurance plans administered by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with low employee premiums, deductibles, and co‑insurance (view our benefits summaries for more information: Choice Plan and Traditional Plan).
• Expansive Wellness Program and low‑cost onsite exercise facilities.
• Dental Insurance with Delta Dental of Iowa.
• 100% city‑paid basic life insurance.
• Other voluntary benefits offered including vision, long‑term disability, and supplemental life insurance.
• IPERS Retirement – Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, with contributions of 6.29% employee / 9.44% City (IPERS).
• Deferred Compensation (IRS Section 457) retirement programs.
• Generous paid time off and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Paid Parental Leave program with 4 weeks of paid time off.
• Annual salary increases, and an annual across‑the‑board increase (determined by available budget).
• Longevity Pay for years of service.
• Educational assistance up to $3,000 per year.
• A culture that is supportive and committed to professional development opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Employees may qualify for the PSLF program which forgives the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after remaining 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full‑time for a qualifying employer.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.