Purchasing Agent

City of Arlington

8d • $61,734 - $77,167

About The Position

Under general supervision responsible for the procurement of supplies, materials and equipment of the desired grade and quality at prices favorable to the city. Communicate with the public (vendors) and other city employees to answer questions and/or gather information regarding service, pricing, delivery, invoicing, etc. Review specifications, perform research and prepare bid documents for items prescribed by State statutes, conduct bid openings, evaluate responses, and prepare written recommendations for award by City Council. Access, input and retrieve information from the financial system. Fairly administer contracts and resolve areas of dispute and disagreement with departments and vendors related to specification development, product requirements, delivery, invoicing, etc. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: Conduct training in concise, logical order to all levels of personnel within the city. Prepare requests for quotation, issue purchase orders to vendors and investigate and research procurement related issues. Prepare special reports and/or other related duties as needed or directed. supporting a team environment

Requirements

• Knowledge of state statutes, local government codes, municipal ordinances, policies and procedures regarding purchases of supplies, equipment and contracting for services.
• Knowledge of price quotations systems and discounting procedures.
• Knowledge of local vendors, products, services and local marketing trends.
• Skill in writing specifications for the purchase of equipment, materials and supplies.
• Skill in identifying potential vendor sources and reasonable prices for a variety of equipment, materials and supplies.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to obtain information from city personnel, to negotiate purchases or contracts and resolve problems with vendors.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication.
• Ability to analyze, research and investigate information and data.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including but not limited to PC, keyboard, CRT, calculator and telephone.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including, but not limited to performing data entry, sorting and writing.
• Knowledge of office and administrative practices and procedures.
• Skill in using PC Software including current Microsoft Office Suite of applications.
• Skill in communicating professionally and tactfully with other city employees and the public by oral and written means.
• Skill with organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment utilizing knowledge of the organization's policies.
• Ability to work independently under general instructions.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including but not limited to filing, pulling, seeing, sorting, squatting, standing, stooping, twisting body, typing, walking, writing and lifting up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including but not limited to PC, telephone, calculator, scanner, and copier.
• Ability to prioritize deadlines and tasks.
• Ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.
• Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to accomplish unit objectives.
• Ability to understand mathematical calculations involving fractions, percentages, and decimals.
• Ability to work within a set schedule.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field.
• Two years experience in purchasing equipment, supplies, materials and services through competitive bidding and preparing specifications, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Preferred Education and Experience:

Responsibilities

• Communicate with the public (vendors) and other city employees to answer questions and/or gather information regarding service, pricing, delivery, invoicing, etc.
• Review specifications, perform research and prepare bid documents for items prescribed by State statutes, conduct bid openings, evaluate responses, and prepare written recommendations for award by City Council.
• Access, input and retrieve information from the financial system.
• Fairly administer contracts and resolve areas of dispute and disagreement with departments and vendors related to specification development, product requirements, delivery, invoicing, etc.
• Conduct training in concise, logical order to all levels of personnel within the city.
• Prepare requests for quotation, issue purchase orders to vendors and investigate and research procurement related issues.
• Prepare special reports and/or other related duties as needed or directed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level