Buyer

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of
life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington
DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

The Buyer I performs purchasing and financial support activities for the Health Department and serves as a day-to-day resource for department staff on purchasing processes, financial coding, documentation, and County procurement requirements.

The position helps ensure public funds are used responsibly, efficiently and transparently. The Buyer reviews purchasing requests, confirms appropriate funding and coding, researches vendors and pricing, obtains required approvals, processes purchases, and follows purchase orders and invoices through completion.

The Buyer I works closely with division leads, program managers, and administrative staff as well as County Procurement, Finance and Public Affairs functions as appropriate. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, curious, resourceful and comfortable asking questions to make sure purchases are properly researched, accurately coded and documented.

Key Responsibilities

• Serves as Department's Buyer and as primary purchasing liaison in lieu of County procurement staff on purchases less than $50,000.
• Reviews purchasing requests to ensure they are complete, appropriately supported, properly authorized and consistent with County fiscal and procurement policies. 
• Prepares and processes requisitions for goods and services based on staff and program requirements; ensures specifications and scopes of work are complete, accurate and aligned with County procurement policies.
• Conducts purchasing research by reviewing County contracts, vendors, pricing, comparative quotes, product specifications, availability and delivery options to identify appropriate, practical, and cost-effective solutions.
• Applies basic accounting and chart-of-accounts knowledge to assign and review appropriate object codes, cost centers, programs, grants, and funds.
• Prepares and processes purchasing card transactions, payments, employee reimbursements and expenditures.
• Partners with County Procurement on purchases requiring specialized guidance, exceptions, or additional review.
• Coordinates with Public Affairs when purchases or activities involve communications, public-facing materials, branding, public information, community engagement or other goods and services requiring Public Affairs review and approvals.
• Monitors and maintains the status of requisitions, purchase orders, invoices and related purchasing transactions; reviews invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness, verifies appropriate matching to purchase orders and receiving records, and coordinates with staff and vendors to resolve discrepancies and ensure timely payment processing and closeouts.
• Maintains awareness of applicable County fiscal and procurement policies and seeks clarification when requirements are unclear or subject to interpretation.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Virginia Public Procurement Act, procurement principles and practices, other applicable laws, and County purchasing policy as they pertain to the work of the position. 
• Basic knowledge of accounting, budgeting, accounts payable, financial reporting and chart-of-accounts concepts and grants.
• Familiarity with automated purchasing, financial and accounting systems and office technology.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate purchasing solutions.
• Ability to review and monitor financial records and ensure transactions are accurate and properly documented.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain purchasing and financial requirements and provide guidance to staff.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, County officials, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, resolve administrative issues, and seek clarification when needed.
• Provides responsive customer service, communicates effectively, maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment when handling financial and purchasing matters.
• May perform other essential job functions specific to the position. 

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience.

Bachelor’s degree, preferably with coursework in procurement, business administration, accounting, finance, supply chain management, public administration, public health administration, or a related field; one (1) year related work experience in procurement of supplies and services with experience working with automated systems; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience in public health, local government, public-sector, nonprofit, healthcare, or another regulated environment is preferred.

Successful candidates will undergo background checks as required. Valid driver’s license and good driving record required (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification).