Buyer, Procurement Department

Salary Hiring Rate: $29.32/hour, Grade 16, Non-Exempt, Teamsters - General Unit Stearns County Mission:
Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.

Stearns County Values:
Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Starting Salary Range: $29.32 - $35.01/hour Position Objective To provide technical support and assist in the procurement process of purchase orders, asset management, and contract administration. This position is responsible for a variety of procurement duties, such as maintaining relationships with vendors and working with department budgets for all County departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.
1. Processes purchase orders; works to resolve issues and purchase goods and services in the most efficient and economical manner so the County is able to provide the best service possible to the public.
2. Receives departmental requisitions; solicits quotations for supplies, services, and equipment, and places orders, determining the best products and prices.
3. Manages less complex and routine procurement solicitations including specification development, preparation of bidding documents, solicitation, evaluation of quotes/bids, and contract administration for limited goods and services.
4. Adheres to federal and state laws, county policy, and procedures as they apply.
5. Coordinates review of contracts with the Attorney when appropriate.
6. Resolve disputes between suppliers and departments that may arise with respect to quality of services or merchandise received, the timeliness of delivery, etc.
7. Research new products, product substitution, and product standardization to recommend most effective and efficient purchases.
8. Promotes and maintains use of the County P-Card for large purchases and employee travel and accommodation arrangements. Converts vendor payments to P-Card to increase efficiency and accountability. Obtains receipts and submits all required paperwork.
9. Maintains records in the County financial system, including data entry, assembling and/or running reports, month-end close processing, etc.
10. Maintains the list of approved authorized vendors and all applicable contract files, ensuring that vendor contracts include service expectations, rates, costs, terms, and conditions to provide the best value for the county.
11. Manage vendor accounts to maintain relationships, accurate terms, and authorizations.
12. Maintains bid prices to ensure orders are within the department budget.
13. Arranges, maintains, and secures payment for county employees’ travel and lodging arrangements for training and conferences.
14. Assists as needed with sorting and handling packages to determine order origin, contents, return authorization, return verification, and credit verification to facilitate efficient material distribution.
15. Assists with departmental procedure writing and training.
16. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
17. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

High School graduate or equivalent

Associate’s degree and three years of progressively related experience OR seven years of progressively related experience

Experience using Microsoft Office Suite Valid Minnesota Driver's License or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment

Reliable means of transportation and be able to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation

Certification

Must achieve certification as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) within three years of hire date Desirable Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of local vendors, products, services and local marketing trends.
2. Knowledge of purchasing laws, statutes, policies and procedures, accounting principals as they apply.
3. Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
4.…