Buyer, Business

Under general supervision, this position performs professional purchasing and procurement functions, and purchases supplies, materials and equipment for use citywide. Reports to the Purchasing Officer.

• Serves as a liaison between the city, vendors and citizens; reviews requisitions to determine the appropriate type of equipment, materials and supplies to meet the needs of departments; prepares requisitions for request for proposal, and provides assistance to city departments with the procurement process.
• Responsible for purchasing of materials, supplies, equipment, construction, goods, and services for the City; contacts vendors to determine product availability, cost and quality and responds to vendor inquiries; issues purchase orders, manages requisitions and documents details of procurement transactions; researches and analyzes products and services, product substitutions and price and quality differences; performs contract administration duties, interacts with vendors and departments, addresses contractor performance issues and monitors and maintains contract renewal schedules.
• Assists departments in the technical specifications, invoicing, payments and delivery portion of the purchasing process; manages purchase storeroom, and maintains cost saving report, minority spending report, record requisitions and other records; researches information to assist departments in budget preparation.
• Maintains a current catalog of companies/vendors for goods purchased; orders catalogs and state contracts, and maintains, updates and modifies vendor and commodity list database; manages surplus property inventory and billing.
• Works to ensure adequate competition under Virginia's small, women and minority owned businesses procurement initiative and ensures appropriate application of all federal, state and local procurement laws and regulations.
• Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Has considerable knowledge of principles and practices of purchasing and procurement in municipal government. Has considerable knowledge of requisition preparation, bidding process, and research methods involved in purchasing equipment and goods for the city. Has general knowledge of office procedures and equipment, including the application of computer software, typewriter and calculator. Has general knowledge of the current literature, trends and developments in the field of governmental purchasing.

Is able to prepare clear and concise reports. Is able to establish and maintain effective relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within department and division, and with co‑workers and the general public.

Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under “Essential Job Functions.”

Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time‑off requests.

Maintains an enthusiastic, self‑reliant and self‑starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or…