Purchasing Analyst/Buyer

City Of Taylor Group•Taylor, MI

About The Position

The Purchasing Analyst/Buyer performs professional and technical duties related to the procurement of supplies, materials, equipment, and services for the City of Taylor. This position supports departments in navigating procurement policies and procedures, assists with solicitation development, and interfaces with vendors regarding pricing, terms, and compliance. This is an entry level professional role that works under general supervision while developing proficiency in municipal purchasing operations. Duties may include, but are not limited to: Prepare, publish, and administer solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, IFBs) in collaboration with departments; ensure technical specifications meet City standards and procurement regulations. Receive, open, evaluate, and award bids; prepare vendor notifications and draft City Council agenda items. Review purchase requests for accuracy and compliance; coordinate vendor setup with Finance; draft purchase orders, service agreements, and supporting documentation. Resolve procurement related issues with departments and vendors; process change orders and contract amendments. Manage annual open purchase orders, contracts, and agreements, coordinate adjustments and renewals. Administer the City’s purchasing card (PCard) program, including card issuance, credit limits, fraud alerts, and compliance monitoring. Recommend improvements to procurement policies, procedures, and internal workflows. Maintain positive and professional working relationships with City staff, vendors, and the public. Administer web-based procurement and rebidding systems; publish addenda and meeting summaries from Prebid and preproposal conferences. Oversee office supply contracts and monitor vendor performance and service levels. Provide backup support to Accounts Payable as needed. Participate in strategic purchasing activities, including obtaining quotes, evaluating cooperative purchasing options, and conducting vendor performance reviews. Maintain supplier relationships and assist with vendor outreach and engagement. Prepare cost analyses, budget support documents, procurement reports, and audit ready records. Assist with surplus property disposition, including documentation, disposal coordination, and vendor communication. Serve as a liaison for delivery schedules, substitutions, product availability, and vendor issue resolution. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Ability to: Learn and apply City procurement policies, procedures, and basic accounting principles.
Analyze technical, financial, and numerical data.
Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
Evaluate product quality, pricing, and vendor proposals.
Use office equipment and software applications effectively, including procurement and financial systems.
Plan, prioritize, and organize workload to meet deadlines.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, and the public.
Perform light physical tasks (e.g., lifting up to 20 lbs. extended desk work).
Apply business writing, grammar, and report preparation skills.
Demonstrate strong customer service and problem-solving abilities.
Read and interpret documents
Read a diverse amount of printed and computer material
Communicate effectively and listen attentively
Project voice when presenting at large group events
Write routine reports and correspondence
Speak tactfully and effectively before residents, staff, and elected officials, in one-on-one situations and small or large group settings
Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public
Ability to follow written and verbal communications
Exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality
Ability to balance multiple projects
Possess strong leadership and motivational skills
High sense of integrity and ethics
Punctual, reliable, and dependable
Trustworthy
Possess a desire for continuous improvement
Ability to accept performance feedback
Goal and deadline oriented
Ability to adapt to change
Detail oriented
Service focused
Team-oriented
Remain calm in a demanding environment, assisting a diverse blend of people.
Solve practical problems in a variety of situations
Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
Minimum of 2 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, finance, or a related field.
High School Diploma or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

4 years of procurement experience, preferably in a public-sector environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Prepare, publish, and administer solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, IFBs) in collaboration with departments; ensure technical specifications meet City standards and procurement regulations.
Receive, open, evaluate, and award bids; prepare vendor notifications and draft City Council agenda items.
Review purchase requests for accuracy and compliance; coordinate vendor setup with Finance; draft purchase orders, service agreements, and supporting documentation.
Resolve procurement related issues with departments and vendors; process change orders and contract amendments.
Manage annual open purchase orders, contracts, and agreements, coordinate adjustments and renewals.
Administer the City’s purchasing card (PCard) program, including card issuance, credit limits, fraud alerts, and compliance monitoring.
Recommend improvements to procurement policies, procedures, and internal workflows.
Maintain positive and professional working relationships with City staff, vendors, and the public.
Administer web-based procurement and rebidding systems; publish addenda and meeting summaries from Prebid and preproposal conferences.
Oversee office supply contracts and monitor vendor performance and service levels.
Provide backup support to Accounts Payable as needed.
Participate in strategic purchasing activities, including obtaining quotes, evaluating cooperative purchasing options, and conducting vendor performance reviews.
Maintain supplier relationships and assist with vendor outreach and engagement.
Prepare cost analyses, budget support documents, procurement reports, and audit ready records.
Assist with surplus property disposition, including documentation, disposal coordination, and vendor communication.
Serve as a liaison for delivery schedules, substitutions, product availability, and vendor issue resolution.
Perform other duties as assigned.