Buyer

City of Torrance • Torrance, CA

8d

About The Position

The City of Torrance is recruiting a Buyer for the Finance Department’s Purchasing Team. The Buyer performs professional-level purchasing duties to procure services, supplies, equipment, and materials for the City. Work includes developing specifications, recommending solicitation approaches, locating and evaluating supply sources, determining the lowest responsible vendor, interviewing and negotiating with vendors, and securing quotations, proposals, and formal bids.

The Buyer also reviews purchasing practices, recommends improvements, prepares reports and comparative price and market-trend tabulations, and ensures procurement complies with applicable legal and professional standards, City policies and procedures, the City Charter, and the Municipal Code. The position is in the Revenue Division of the Finance Department. Employees in this classification must file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Candidates must pass a background check and pre-employment medical examination as a condition of employment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, or a related field, from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge and skills.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience purchasing materials, equipment, supplies, and services in a municipal and/or high-volume setting.
• Valid California motor vehicle operator’s license of the appropriate class.
• Knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures, contract development, and sources of supply.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures related to procurement of supplies, materials, and professional services.
• Problem-solving and research skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff.
• Pass a background check and pre-employment medical examination as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Certification as a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the Institute of Supply Management is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Procure services, supplies, equipment, and materials for the City.
• Develop specifications and make recommendations regarding solicitations, bids, and proposals.
• Locate and evaluate sources of supply and determine the lowest responsible vendor.
• Interview, evaluate, and negotiate with vendors.
• Secure quotations, proposals, and formal bids.
• Conduct surveys of purchasing practices and make recommendations as appropriate.
• Prepare reports and tabulations concerning materials and services, comparative prices, and market trends.
• Ensure purchasing practices comply with applicable legal and professional requirements, City policies and procedures, the City Charter, and the Municipal Code.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level