BUYER
SENIOR BUYER
(Series Specification)

Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under direction; to purchase material, supplies and equipment; to prepare product specification, request for bid and contracts; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

BUYER is the trainee and the first working level in the buyer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents receive on the job training in all phases of purchasing. As knowledge and abilities are gained, more complex purchasing tasks are assigned. Incumbents are eligible for promotion to Senior Buyer after gaining experience and demonstrating expertise in all areas of purchasing work.

SENIOR BUYER is the fully qualified journey level in the buyer series. Incumbents are responsible for purchasing, preparing product specifications and bids for a wide range of products and commodities.

TYPICAL TASKS

Receives, reviews and evaluates requisitions for materials, supplies, services and equipment; consults with departments to develop specifications, and to standardize and combine requirements; invites and accepts bids; evaluates prices;, products, discount and delivery conditions; awards bids, confers and corresponds with vendors, manufacturers, service suppliers and sales representatives to obtain pricing and product information, service provided and market information and trends; issues purchase orders and follows up to assure receipt of commodities; resolves problems concerning damaged goods, incorrect merchandise or problems in billing or payment; evaluates vendors performance; maintains catalog, commodity and vendor files; confers with vendors and manufacturers to acquaint them with the purchasing policies and procedures of the County; keeps informed on current trends and practices in public purchasing; attends meetings; prepares correspondence and reports; may fill in for other classes as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

BUYER

• Some knowledge of the principles and practices of centralized purchasing including purchasing ethics and standards, contract development and negotiations and competitive bidding;
• Some knowledge of the laws, regulations and procedures applicable to public agency purchasing;
• Some knowledge of office operations and accounting and budgetary controls;

SENIOR BUYER

• Working knowledge of the above, plus;
• Working knowledge of current market conditions, pricing and sources of supply and senders.

Ability to:

BUYER

• Learn to analyze requisitions and prepare product specifications, bids and agreements;
• Learn to evaluate bids and make objective awards;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate records;
• Organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

SENIOR BUYER

• Analyze requisitions and prepare product specifications, bids and agreements;
• Evaluate bids and make awards;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Read and interpret technical specifications and drawings.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

BUYER

• Equivalent to graduation from college with completion of college level or equivalent courses in purchasing, marketing economics or closely related field.

SENIOR BUYER Two years of experience performing duties comparable to a Buyer in Santa Cruz County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's license.