Part-Time Buyer

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Openings as of 8/23/2026

Part-Time Buyer

• Position Type:
  Administrative Support
• Date Posted: 8/21/2026
• Location:
  
  Town Hall
• Date Available:
  
  TBD
• Closing Date: 09/07/2026

The position is responsible for the procurement of goods, equipment and services for the Town of West Hartford. The employee exercises judgment and independent responsibility for finding sources of supply, soliciting offers, and determining conformity of bids offered with specifications. The Purchasing Agent is ultimately responsible for all purchases.

Work is performed primarily in a dynamic, automated, purchasing business office setting but includes frequent site visitations and inspections to municipal and school departments and facilities. Conducts inspections at heights, in limited or confined work spaces and occasionally with exposure to potential hazards such as dust, asbestos, and lead. Manages and coordinates multiple priorities adhering to established time frames, procurement policies and legislative guidelines.

Utilizes extensive oral and written communication and exercises independent judgment. Frequent interaction with people, who at times may be agitated. May be required to work a schedule outside normal business hours.

• Reviews and approves purchase requisitions and purchase change orders using prescribed procurement methods and procedures.
  • Determines the most appropriate delivery method of procurement in accordance with federal laws, state statutes, and Town ordinances.
  • Assists in or may prepare bid specifications and bid documents for materials, supplies and services by departments of the Town.
  • Develops request for proposals, determines evaluation criteria for best value award and manages the RFP procurement and evaluation process.
  • Maintains effective working relationships with operating departments and vendors on a daily basis to identify procurement needs, discuss processes, and resolve problems.
  • Provides technical training to assist in the planning and scheduling of procurement activities.
    
    Assesses departmental needs, recommends and implements improvements to service levels.
  • Independently conducts pre-bid, pre-award, scope reviews, pre-selection, selection and pre-construction meetings as necessary.
  • Conducts public bid openings and prepares and analyzes bid tabulations.
  • Evaluates bid responses to determine compliance with specifications and to determine the proposal with the best value.
  • Prepares contract documents and executes awards
  • Interviews vendors, inspects samples, and recommends the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment on the basis of quality and price.
  • Prepares and maintains listing of current and potential suppliers. Develops working relationships with suppliers and vendors.
  • Follows up and assures the delivery of articles purchased, checks invoices as well as checking on the financial responsibility of vendors.
  • Confers with vendors or their representatives' concerning needs, price changes, and adjustments and/or cancellation of bids or orders.
  • Organizes, maintains, and upgrades manual and automated file systems for purchasing information. Maintains accurate records and reports.
  • Performs job duties in the Work Environment as described above.

• Identifies areas for automation and assists in the implementation of software application processes.
  • Conducts analytical studies, surveys and prepares reports as directed.

• Knowledge of contemporary procurement principles and practices.
  • Working knowledge of or the ability to learn the types, grades, and suppliers of materials, supplies and equipment to be purchased as well…