Purchasing Agent

Utica City School District•Utica, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an important position involving the responsibility for the purchasing activities of a large municipal department or a group of municipal agencies. The work is performed under general supervision in accordance with established policies and objectives permitting wide leeway in the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. Supervision is exercised over the activities of subordinate employees. Does related work as required.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of markets, trade conditions, business methods and purchasing practices in general, including a knowledge of a wide range of commodities
Thorough knowledge of current practices dealing with the preparation of purchase specifications
Good knowledge of business arithmetic and English
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, department heads, and vendors
Ability to supervise the work of others
Ability to secure the cooperation of others
Familiarity with current studies and literature in the field of large scale industrial and governmental purchasing
Ability to understand technical, oral and written directions
Integrity
Good judgment
Initiative
Resourcefulness, tact and courtesy
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position
Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or closely related field and two (2) years of experience in managing, administering, supervising, facilitating or procuring large scale purchasing of a variety of commodities
Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate's Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or closely related field and four (4) years of experience in managing, administering, supervising, facilitating or procuring large scale purchasing of a variety of commodities
Graduation from High School and six (6) years of experience in large scale purchasing of a variety of commodities
Must comply with Civil Service Law
Must be a resident of the City of Utica

Nice To Haves

Fingerprinting Clearance

Responsibilities

Awards contracts of sale to vendors for the purchase of equipment and supplies for a large municipal department or group of municipal agencies
Solicits and reviews bids from vendors for a wide variety of commodities
Review requisitions from operating departments and maintains related records on expenditures
Keeps abreast of current price trends, market conditions and new or improved items of supply
Checks on deliveries of materials orders
Approves vouchers on equipment and materials for payment
Directs the preparation of specifications for items purchased
Prepares purchasing policies for consideration by the appropriate governing body
Plans and oversees advertising for articles to be purchased
Uses judgment and experience in making decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures
Assists in the formulation of policies and procedures
Consult with administrative and legislative officials regarding purchasing
Advises superiors regarding current problems and progress of over all programs
Conduct research and recommend improved practices and policies
Conduct public relations
Maintain payroll records for office
Supervise office staff
Keeps abreast of city, state, and other rules, regulations, and policies regarding this department
Reviews incoming mail and answers general correspondence, applying knowledge of departmental operations and regulations
Responsible for preparing a variety of reports
Prepares the budget request and monitors expenditures to maintain budgetary control
Participates in professional conferences/training programs
Operates office equipment as required
Requisitions and checks the receipts of supplies and equipment