Purchasing Agent

Summary

Under the direction of the Purchasing Director, the Purchasing Agent serves as both a Contracts Manager and as Purchasing Agent of the department. As a Contracts Manager, this position applies professional principles, practices, and techniques to assist City departments with the creation of contracts in the contracting system. This role has ultimate responsibility for contracts created for all assigned projects. As the Purchasing Agent of Procurement, this position serves other departments as the Director would, in times when the Director is absent, and otherwise provides professional assistance to the Director.

• Assist the Director with department operations including managing staff and budget.
• Assist the Director with Munis implementation of all modules used by the department.
• Have excellent understanding of Louisiana Public Bid Law, Surplus Property Law, City of Hammond procurement policies, and enforce same throughout the procurement department.
• Write and review specifications for supplies and services.
• Analyze bids and quotes; recommend acceptance or rejection.
• Manage, coordinate and supervise the contract process from the conceptual stage through completion.
• Review the assigned projects and all related forms and correspondence for the Buyers and ensure the work is correct prior to issuance.
• Work with departments and Buyers to ensure priority projects are completed timely and correctly.
• Track and coordinate all projects within the required timeline. Discuss project status with departments and provide updates/reports as necessary.
• Review complex requisitions to ensure compliance with policy, contract and/or agreement.
• Monitor contracts after award to ensure they have been executed properly and address any issues such as modifications, renewals and/or terminations.
• Review statements, invoices, and process payment.
• Manage surplus property and online bidding.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Employee must be able to operate basic office equipment, office computer and software, copy machine, fax machine, and scanner. Communicates effectively and has excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

The incumbent works in a typical office environment with little or no exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards. Primary functions are limited to an office environment. Occasional duties may require travel or working in non-office environment.

Sedentary work. Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

A high school diploma or equivalent GED and minimum three years of procurement experience required. Bachelor’s Degree and five years of procurement experience preferred.