Buyer - Department of Comptroller​/Procurement

Buyer

At Carroll County Government, we look for people who are eager to engage in meaningful work that positively impacts our community. As public servants, our sense of purpose and motivation to work hard starts with the value we place on relationships with coworkers, community partners, and those we serve. We strive to build collaborative and passionate teams, with opportunities to learn and explore new possibilities in a welcoming workplace.

As a team, we are committed, inspired, and connected to make a difference in the community.

Are you ready to support the County by purchasing necessary goods and services? As a Buyer, you will handle essential procurement duties. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, your role will work one-on-one with County agencies through the procurement process to support County operations, ensuring transparency, professionalism, ethics, and fiscal responsibility. Assessing needs, drafting bids, and communicating with vendors are some of the daily responsibilities of this role.

You will work closely with our offices of the County Attorney, Accounting, and Management & Budget.

Essential duties include:

• Procure and coordinate the procurement of various goods and services in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Prepare complex and technical specifications, contract, and solicitation documents. Initiate and renew contracts. Assist in internal or external audits.
• Coordinate and attend pre-procurement planning process to determine agency need, availability of established contracts, and price/cost analysis for basic commodities and services.
• Assist with procurement card training, and monitoring.
• Prepare for and attend meetings, bid openings, and presentations to Commissioners for concurrence.
• Issue purchase orders, change orders, and/or termination notices to vendors. Monitor and maintain vendor performance database.
• Order and arrange shipping or transportation for basic commodities and services. Act as liaison for agencies throughout the procurement process.
• Work with the Accounting division to reconcile general ledger balances and encumbrances. Monitor open purchase orders for year-end closeout.
• Coordinate with the Department of Management & Budget to establish balances when encumbering funds for commodities/services/Capital Projects.
• Work collaboratively with County agencies to develop specifications for proposals. Confer on procurement process and best method of procurement.
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines, including end-of-year closeout.
• In the absence of Procurement Assistant, perform related duties for the disposal of surplus property, publication of bids on E-Maryland Market Place, Public Surplus, and Procurement Cards.
• Maintain knowledge of commodity/equipment safety requirements and product trends.
• Ensure all work is complete and timely to support department goals. Evaluate feedback and procedures to improve efficiency.
• Invite collaboration and seek learning opportunities. Proactively assist peers to create a supportive work environment.
• Exhibit integrity, ethics, and fiscal responsibility.

Your skills include:

• Purchasing Software (Intermediate)
• Financial Management ERP System (Intermediate)
• Grant Management (Intermediate)
• Interpreting Policies and Procedures (Intermediate)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Intermediate)

Your strengths include:

• Service Excellence
• Decision Making
• Collaborating with Others
• Digital Literacy
• Continuous Learning
• Processing and Recording Financial Transactions
• Procurement Management
• Sourcing
• Vendor Management

You might be a good fit if you have:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, including legal studies coursework
• Two or more years of related experience
• A comparable amount of education and experience may be substituted for the minimum requirement.

Required Licenses and

Certifications:

• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) (or must obtain within four years of employment)

Requires criminal background check as condition of employment.

Carroll County Government is dedicated to fostering a culture focused on the total well-being of our employees. For eligible employees, this includes:

• Generous paid time off
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Flexible schedules and remote options, when applicable
• Comprehensive, no deductible medical plans including prescription and vision coverage, low-cost dental plan, and County paid basic life insurance.
• Pension, 401k, and 457 Retirement Accounts
• Up to $9,000 in Tuition Assistance per fiscal year

Carroll County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The County Commissioners of Carroll County recognize the rights of all people, including County employees, to equal opportunity. Discrimination against County employees on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability is strictly prohibited. The Americans with Disabilities Act, Titles I and II, applies to County government employment.

If you have questions, suggestions, or complaints, please…