SENIOR BUYER

The position assists with purchasing activities and operations which will include processing 
informal and formal bids, requests for proposals and qualifications, cooperative purchases, and 
creating agenda items for approval.
This is accomplished by gathering input from departments; soliciting bids for goods and services; 
establishing and maintaining relationships with departments, vendors and the public; reviewing 
agreements; researching information and recommending processes; reconciling accounts; and 
maintaining records and documents.
Other duties include analyzing and preparing data for presentations; assisting the Purchasing 
Coordinator with inventory and fixed asset tracking; assisting the Purchasing Coordinator with 
telephone administration (mobile/data/hardline); assisting Fleet/Inventory Coordinator with surplus 
disposal; preparing journal entries, ensuring adequate emergency processes and requirements; and 
assisting with performance management processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

•  Solicits formal and informal bids and requests for proposals and qualifications (RFPs and RFQs) 
by preparing and reviewing specifications, completing cost analyses; consulting with departments 
regarding procurement needs; providing recommendations for the best approach in acquiring necessary 
goods and/or services; attaching standard documents to complete the bid package; contacting 
prospective vendors; posting and advertising; conducting pre-bid and bid opening meetings; 
negotiating pricing; and recommending and preparing awards.
•  Completes procurements by providing guidance to departments; recruiting small business, local 
and MWBE suppliers; responding to inquiries; conducting pre-bid meetings and site visits related to 
open bids; addressing vendor questions regarding projects and purchases; and developing and posting 
addendums in response to questions.
•  Prepares agenda items by assembling award summaries; writing documents; attaching information 
and submitting cost analyses.
•  Oversees credit card programs and contracts by issuing notices to departments; providing 
training and monitoring; ensuring vendor compliance;
•  Ensures all requirements are met by reviewing vendor agreements and contracts; ensuring all 
agreements are signed; reviewing and preparing purchase orders for approval; and verifying 
insurance and bond requirements are met.
•  Attend meetings as necessary
•  Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience Requirements
•  Bachelor's degree in business, finance, public administration or related field.
•  Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, purchasing 
supplies, materials and equipment
•  NIGP Certified Public Purchasing Buyer preferred
•  The Purchasing Agent has the discretion to substitute any education and experience 
requirements.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements
•  Must have strong work ethic
•  Knowledge of all aspects of contract administration, including language, terms and 
conditions
•  Knowledge of standard accounting and purchasing processes
•  Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, policies and procedures regarding County procurement 
and of principles and practices of effective data collection and recordkeeping
•  Skill in basic and applied math, including the simple operations of adding, subtracting, 
multiplication, division and basic statistical analysis and attention to detail in dealing with 
numbers, words, and ideas.
•  Proficient in Office 365 (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint)
•  Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers, the public, 
and elected and appointed officials
•  Ability to effectively prepare and present information, deliver presentations to groups and 
responding to questions.
•  Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high-volume environment with 
emphasis on accuracy and timeliness

Physical Demands
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be 
met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable 
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential 
functions.

•  Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, 
or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close 
vision and the ability to adjust focus.
•  The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 35 pounds.
•  Work may routinely require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or 
crawl.

Please apply online via the Ellis County Website or through Governmentjobs.com

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