Buyer, Procurement Department

Stearns County MN•Waite Park, MN

11d•$29 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer provides technical support and assists with procurement purchase orders, asset management, and contract administration. The position handles a variety of procurement duties, maintains vendor relationships, and works with department budgets for all County departments. 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. The position requires travel to multiple locations around Stearns County and requires employees to reside within Minnesota. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Procurement Manager. Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some hours outside normal work hours possible. Public contact is moderate.

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.
A 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.
Ability to reside within the state of Minnesota.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, provide professional customer service, handle multiple purchasing and office-support functions, present ideas clearly, pay attention to detail, follow complex instructions, and make decisions consistent with precedents and regulations.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of local vendors, products, services, and local marketing trends.
Knowledge of purchasing laws, statutes, policies, and procedures, and accounting principles as they apply.
Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Skill with computer software, including Microsoft Office and Acrobat.
Skill in performing accurate mathematical calculations.

Responsibilities

Process purchase orders and resolve related 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 specification development, bidding-document preparation, solicitation, quote and bid evaluation, and contract administration for limited goods and services.
Follow applicable federal and state laws, county policies, and procedures.
Coordinate contract review with the Attorney when appropriate.
Resolve supplier-department disputes concerning quality, delivery timing, and other issues.
Research new products, substitutions, and standardization opportunities 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, report preparation or running, and month-end close processing.
Maintain the approved authorized vendor list and contract files, ensuring vendor contracts specify service expectations, rates, costs, terms, and conditions.
Manage vendor accounts and maintain relationships, accurate terms, and authorizations.
Maintain bid prices to ensure orders fit within department budgets.
Arrange, maintain, and secure payment for County employee travel and lodging for training and conferences.
Assist with sorting and handling packages, identifying order origin and contents, and verifying returns, authorizations, and credits.
Assist with departmental procedure writing and training.
Attend work regularly and punctually.
Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.
Maintain a positive attitude consistent with the County mission and values, develop respectful and collaborative relationships with employees and the public, respect diversity, understand and follow applicable policies and procedures, and comply with safety rules.