Buyer

City of Pomona•Pomona, CA

About The Position

The City of Pomona Finance Department is seeking a Buyer to perform technical and specialized purchasing functions under general supervision. The role procures equipment, materials, and services; prepares bid specifications and coordinates bid requirements; and assists City departments with purchasing procedures and policies. The Buyer performs a full range of purchasing and contract assignments and may prepare and deliver citywide and public presentations and provide technical training to staff. The position requires three years of responsible purchasing experience and education equivalent to a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field. The successful candidate must possess or obtain a valid driver's license and must obtain either a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) Certificate or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) within 12 months of the start date. The role exercises no supervision. Essential duties require work in a standard office environment, travel to different sites and locations, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds. The recruitment remains open until Wednesday, November 4, 2026; candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Requirements

Three years of responsible purchasing experience.
Education equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in business administration, public administration, or a related field.
Possess or obtain an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Possess or obtain a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) Certificate or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) within 12 months of the start date.
Knowledge of general purchasing policies, procedures, and functions; City administrative and purchasing procedures, policies, and regulations; the Public Contracting Code and regulations; City department functions and operations; commonly used local-government materials, supplies, and equipment; key performance indicators and metrics; English usage; modern office methods; recordkeeping; basic mathematics; and safe driving practices.
Skill operating modern office equipment, computers and software, a motor vehicle, ERP/financial systems, and Microsoft Office suite products at a proficient level.
Ability to assess product quality, price, and suitability; audit claims and invoices; perform price and cost analysis; organize and research information; consult with departments about service and supply needs; negotiate agreements; research and evaluate bids; perform purchasing and contract assignments; prepare or present public presentations; communicate clearly; and foster positive working relationships.
Ability to work in a standard office environment, travel to different sites and locations, and lift up to 25 pounds.
All public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers under California Government Code Section 3100 and may be assigned disaster service activities by supervisors or law.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with ERP and financial systems such as Oracle, Workday, or Tyler.

Responsibilities

Order materials, services, and equipment needed for City operations.
Communicate and interpret purchasing policies and procedures; gather, interpret, and investigate data related to purchasing problems.
Consult with City departments, evaluate requisitions for materials, supplies, and equipment, and make recommendations on department requests.
Process purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders and contracts; issue change orders or amendments to purchase orders, contracts, and formal solicitations.
Research, locate, and develop sources of supply; compare costs; evaluate product quality and suitability; interview and evaluate vendors; maintain product catalogs and literature; and arrange demonstrations.
Coordinate the City Auction.
Develop specifications for requests for quotation (RFQs), requests for bid (RFBs), and requests for proposal (RFPs); examine and evaluate proposals; recommend awards; review proposals for acceptability; and negotiate agreements or contracts when competitive bidding is not appropriate.
Monitor contracts to ensure vendor compliance.
Supervise transfers of surplus or unused supplies and equipment between departments and the sale of items unsuitable for City use or not usable by any agency.
Encourage standardization of similar equipment, materials, and services across City departments.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Prepare and deliver citywide and public presentations and provide technical training to staff.