Buyer, Procurement Department

Stearns County•Waite Park, MN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer provides technical support and assists with procurement, purchase orders, asset management, and contract administration. The position handles a range of procurement duties, maintains vendor relationships, and works with department budgets across all County departments. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Procurement Manager. The role requires regular, timely attendance and may include some hours outside normal work hours. Employees must reside in Minnesota and have reliable transportation to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, including locations that may not be accessible by public transportation. The primary responsibilities are performed indoors approximately 95% of the time, with infrequent exposure to health hazards and accidents and a low level of physical effort. Moderate public contact is involved. The position is classified as Grade 16, non-exempt, Teamsters - General Unit. The hiring rate is $29.32 per hour, with a starting salary range of $29.32 to $35.01 per hour. The successful candidate must achieve Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification within three years of hire.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
An associate’s degree and three years of progressively related experience, or seven years of progressively related experience.
Experience using Microsoft Office Suite.
Valid Minnesota Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
Reliable transportation and ability to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation.
Must achieve Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification within three years of hire.
Must reside within the state of Minnesota.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of local vendors, products, services, and local marketing trends.
Knowledge of purchasing laws, statutes, policies, procedures, and applicable accounting principles.
Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Skill with computer software, including Microsoft Office and Acrobat.
Skill in performing accurate mathematical calculations.
Ability to promote a positive image of the department through responsive, professional, effective communication and customer service.
Ability to perform a variety of purchasing and office support functions simultaneously.
Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely.
Attention to detail.
Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to make appropriate decisions in accordance with precedents and regulations and apply them to work situations.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Process purchase orders and resolve issues to procure goods and services efficiently and economically.
Receive departmental requisitions, solicit quotations for supplies, services, and equipment, place orders, and determine appropriate products and prices.
Manage routine and less complex procurement solicitations, including developing specifications, preparing bidding documents, soliciting and evaluating quotes or bids, and administering contracts for limited goods and services.
Follow applicable federal and state laws, County policies, and procedures.
Coordinate contract reviews with the Attorney when appropriate.
Resolve supplier and department disputes involving quality, delivery timeliness, and related matters.
Research new products, substitutions, and standardization options and recommend effective and efficient purchases.
Promote and maintain County P-Card use for large purchases and employee travel and accommodations; convert vendor payments to P-Card where appropriate, obtain receipts, and submit required paperwork.
Maintain records in the County financial system, including data entry, reports, and month-end close processing.
Maintain the approved authorized-vendor list and contract files, ensuring contracts document service expectations, rates, costs, terms, and conditions.
Manage vendor accounts to maintain relationships, accurate terms, and authorizations.
Maintain bid prices and ensure orders are within department budgets.
Arrange, maintain, and secure payment for County employees’ travel and lodging for training and conferences.
Assist with sorting and handling packages, identifying order origin and contents, and handling return authorization, return verification, and credit verification.
Assist with departmental procedure writing and training.
Attend work regularly and on time.
Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.