Purchasing Buyer

Under supervision, the incumbent will perform the analytical analysis involved in the procurement of goods and services by Formal Bids, Fair & Open RFP’s, Competitive Contracts and Formal Quotes. The incumbent is expected to proceed with substantial independence in analysis of contracts or creation of such, and exploring/identifying opportunities for improvement, or cost savings.

• Incumbent will assist in routine professional work including specification development to maximize competition, proposal evaluation, award recommendation, quality assurance and execution of contract awards.
• Work is reviewed by the Purchasing Agent and is appraised in terms of quality, consistency, efficiency and compliance with County policies and statutory rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of purchasing methods and competitive bid processes in a public procurement environment, as well as general purchasing procedures and guidelines, financial computations, statistical analysis and forecasting techniques.
• Perform value analysis including research from trade journals, catalogs, and other technical material to ensure proper contracts are being utilized per market conditions.
• Ascertain prices of commodities and ability of specific item to be ordered/delivered in appropriate timeline requirements.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry information for assigned services and contracts. Preparation of bid/request for proposals/quote packages (boilerplate and specifications) for a wide variety of goods and services according to accepted purchasing methods as prescribed by laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Maintain extensive knowledge of the New Jersey State Contracts and other cooperatives contracts to act as a liaison to end users for navigation and use of said contracts.
• Maintain personal liaison with department & division heads/office managers and regularly confers with them in regard to routine recurring and/or proposed procurements.
• Resolve complaints when necessary as well as rendering assistance when difficult and unusual situations arise.
• Prepare all purchasing related correspondence as it pertains to assigned solicitation of Formal Bids, Fair & Open RFP’s, Competitive Contracts, Formal Quotes and related notices.
• Excellent communication, written, oral and solid customer service skills, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with County officials and vendors/contractors.
• Attention to detail and accuracy is required.
• Possess proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Responsible for the management of the Somerset County Co-operative Pricing System #2 SOCCP.
• Requires management of contract data in the MSI.
• Maintain the Purchasing Div email box/answer the main purchasing division phone line.
• Receive and log all bids/RFPs received.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Applicants who do not meet education requirements may substitute additional experience in public administration or related field on a year for year basis.
• Experience:
  
  Two (2) years of government experience related to purchasing regarding analytical analysis, specification writing/review for the purchase of equipment, supplies and services.
• Ability to comprehend and apply statutory and regulatory requirements to public contracting.
• Ability to assist in the creation of clear and concise specifications.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with vendors, fifty division contracts and end users.
• Thorough knowledge of sources of supplies and services, prices, and market conditions and trends.
• Ability to work under pressure with multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to plan and review workload for most proficient use of time/resources.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced work environment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy is required.
• Possess Registered Public Procurement Specialist (RPPS) certification or in the process of completing requirements within two (2) years.

Benefits include health coverage (medical, prescription, and dental), paid time off (vacation, holidays, and sick), a deferred compensation plan, and enrollment in the NJ State Pension System.

Entry level

Full-time

Purchasing and Supply Chain

Government Administration