BUYER
PURCHASING DIVISION
CITY OF WORCESTER
The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for a Buyer for the Purchasing Division in the Department of Administration and Finance. Under the direction of the Purchasing Agent, the Buyer is responsible for assisting in the coordination, development and solicitation of the procurement of materials, supplies, contracts, services, equipment at the lowest cost considering quality; the processing and handling of Bid Invitations, Requests for Proposals (RFP), Requests for Quotations (RFQ),; the approval and processing of accepted quotes and bids for materials or services, for serving as the back-up person for any and all administrative function within the department and to perform other duties as required or as dictated by responsibilities. The Buyer will use effective procurement methods consistent with legal and ethical requirements. The Buyer shall serve as an immediate purchasing resource to all departments in assisting with quotes for good and services and will apply a high business standard on behalf of the City.
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Responsible for assisting in the procurement of goods and services, construction, and other bid solicitations
- Assist in the procurement of materials, supplies, equipment, and services at the lowest possible cost
- Solicit and report on quote requests from departments
- Research, review and analyze pricing options for products and services as requested
- Open and review sealed bids requested
- Assist in responding to bid protests
- Maintain fairness and integrity and to promote impartial and equal treatment to all who wish to conduct business with the City
- Serve as back-up person to Purchasing Staff Assistant in the administrative functions of the department
- Assist in the general procurement functions and purchases of supplies and services
- Assist in the contractual services required by various City Departments, the preparation and administration of bid documents
- Assist in the preparation and administration of contracts associated with City solicitations
- Review and approve department requisitions and recommend various sources for goods and services
- Maintain contracts with sources of supply
- Makes special commodity purchase studies and various purchasing statistical analyses
- Follow up on purchases and check for compliance with agreements and contract terms and conditions
- Attend and participate in staff, department or other meetings, conferences, on committees, task forces
- Maintain contacts to keep abreast of developments in field or areas of interest or expertise
- Follow and adhere to department or City government rules, regulations, policies or procedures
- Make recommendations as to possible improvements in procedures or methods to increase effectiveness, reduce cost
- Maintain discipline, morale, and harmonious personnel relations
- Load and Maintain all catalog contracts in the City’s financial system, Workday
- Assist the Assistant Purchasing Agent – IT in the processing of surplus items for auction
- Visit department locations to photograph and catalog surplus items and equipment for sale
- Assist with processing of payments and other documents for surplus items
- Assist the Assistant Purchasing Agent – Operations in the monitoring and enforcement of the City’s Contract Compliance Programs for prevailing wage compliance on one-time public construction projects, including the ability to visit construction sites to investigate wage complaints as needed.
- Review certified payroll records for contractor accuracy
- Monitor and usage of minority, women & veteran owned business on public construction projects and City contract awards.
- Monitor usage of minority, women workers on public construction projects
- Attend pre-bid and other meetings as requested (including meetings outside of working hours to promote procurement with the City)
SECONDARY ELEMENTS:
- Assume delegated responsibilities of Purchasing Agent in their absence or unavailability
- Research archive records in a storage environment
- Involved with procurement trainings for City employees
- Other duties and special projects as assigned, including urgent and emergency procurement activity
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of purchasing principles and practices
- Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles and practices
- Knowledge of the operation and processes of a purchasing department as they relate to the purchase of materials, equipment, supplies and services
- Ability to acquire knowledge of the laws of contracts
- Ability to acquire knowledge of a particular class of items per department requests
- Ability to read and interpret state laws, local ordinances and agency policies and contracts as they pertain to the purchasing process.
- Ability to perform mathematical computations used in the purchasing process.
- Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Strong written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to bend and reach and lift up to 30lbs.
- Ability to visit construction sites and other City departments and communicate with workers
- Strong attention to detail
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Associate degree in business or public administration, finance, accounting, or related field
- One (1) year of purchasing/procurement experience
o An equivalent combination of education, training and two (2) years of experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered in lieu of the above-mentioned requirements.
- Ability to obtain the MA Certified Public Purchasing Officer (MCPPO) Certification
- Excellent Communication Skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Three (3) years of experience in a purchasing/procurement environment
- Two (2) years of experience performing administrative tasks in an office setting
- Two (2) years of experience providing customer service in an office setting
- Experience in public or government purchasing/procurement
SALARY RANGE: $34.20-39.50 hourly, full-time, with an excellent benefits package.
To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter on or before FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024, to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, HR@worcesterma.gov
