Buyer, Procurement Department

Salary

Hiring Rate: $29.32/hour, Grade 16, Non-Exempt, Teamsters - General Unit

Stearns County Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.
Stearns County Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Starting Salary Range: $29.32 - $35.01/hour

Position Objective
To provide technical support and assist in the procurement process of purchase orders, asset management, and contract administration. This position is responsible for a variety of procurement duties, such as maintaining relationships with vendors and working with department budgets for all County departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.

1. Processes purchase orders; works to resolve issues and purchase goods and services in the most efficient and economical manner so the County is able to provide the best service possible to the public.
2. Receives departmental requisitions; solicits quotations for supplies, services, and equipment, and places orders, determining the best products and prices.

3. Manages less complex and routine procurement solicitations including specification development, preparation of bidding documents, solicitation, evaluation of quotes/bids, and contract administration for limited goods and services.

4. Adheres to federal and state laws, county policy, and procedures as they apply.

5. Coordinates review of contracts with the Attorney when appropriate.

6. Resolve disputes between suppliers and departments that may arise with respect to quality of services or merchandise received, the timeliness of delivery, etc.

7. Research new products, product substitution, and product standardization to recommend most effective and efficient purchases.

8. Promotes and maintains use of the County P-Card for large purchases and employee travel and accommodation arrangements. Converts vendor payments to P-Card to increase efficiency and accountability. Obtains receipts and submits all required paperwork.

9. Maintains records in the County financial system, including data entry, assembling and/or running reports, month-end close processing, etc.

10. Maintains the list of approved authorized vendors and all applicable contract files, ensuring that vendor contracts include service expectations, rates, costs, terms, and conditions to provide the best value for the county.

11. Manage vendor accounts to maintain relationships, accurate terms, and authorizations.

12. Maintains bid prices to ensure orders are within the department budget.

13. Arranges, maintains, and secures payment for county employees’ travel and lodging arrangements for training and conferences.

14. Assists as needed with sorting and handling packages to determine order origin, contents, return authorization, return verification, and credit verification to facilitate efficient material distribution.

15. Assists with departmental procedure writing and training.

16. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
17. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent. 

Minimum Qualifications

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Associate’s degree and three years of progressively related experience OR seven years of progressively related experience
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid Minnesota Driver's License or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment  
• Reliable means of transportation and be able to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation

 

Certification

• Must achieve certification as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) within three years of hire date

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Knowledge of local vendors, products, services and local marketing trends.

2. Knowledge of purchasing laws, statutes, policies and procedures, accounting principals as they apply.

3. Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

4. Skilled in working with computer software including Microsoft Office and Acrobat.

5. Skilled in performing accurate mathematical calculations.

6. Ability to promote positive image of the department through responsive, professional and effective communication and customer service.

7. Ability to simultaneously perform a variety of purchasing and office support functions.

8. Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely.

9. Ability to pay attention to detail.

10. Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions.

11. Ability to make appropriate decisions in accordance with precedents and regulations and apply those decisions as required by work situations.

12. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

 

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
1. Consistently performs job responsibilities with a positive attitude and in a manner consistent with the County’s mission and values.

2. Develops and maintains a respectful and collaborative professional relationship with all County employees and the public we serve.

3. Values and respects the diversity each employee brings to the organization.

4. Develops and maintains knowledge and understanding of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.

5. Complies with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 95% of the time indoors. Will have infrequent exposure to health hazards and accidents; requires a low level of physical effort. Click the following to view the: Functional Job Analysis for this job.  All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota. 

 

Responsibility for Public Contact
Moderate.

 

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Procurement Manager.

 

Hours of Work
Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include some hours outside of normal work hours.

Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on a date to be determined. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. A job specific background check and/or physical, drug and psychological exam may be required before appointment.

Benefits

To view Stearns County benefits go to: Stearns County Benefits Page

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.