Assistant Purchasing Agent

City of Lincoln & Lancaster County; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

Opportunities for growth

Meaningful community service

Job summary

The City of Lincoln & Lancaster County is seeking a detail-oriented purchasing professional to support the Purchasing Agent by preparing specifications, evaluating bids, and coordinating with departments and vendors.

You will monitor purchase orders, resolve delivery issues, and may supervise clerical staff, bringing strong analytical and communication skills to ensure cost-effective, quality procurement for city services.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university in business administration, public administration, accounting, or related field.
• Some experience as a buyer or purchasing professional.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience may be accepted.

Responsibilities

• Procure services, supplies, materials, and equipment meeting quality and cost standards.
• Review requisitions for accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare and evaluate specifications.
• Analyze bids and recommend awards.
• Conduct market research and value analysis.
• Coordinate with departments and vendors.
• Track orders and expedite deliveries.
• Resolve shipment issues and claims.
• Support contracts and incidental purchases.
• May supervise clerical staff.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Bid analysis

Specification development

Accounting principles

Relationship building

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/public administration or accounting

Job description

Make an Impact Behind the Scenes

Are you detail-oriented and enjoy strategy, negotiation, and collaboration? Join our team and help ensure City/County departments receive the materials they need—efficiently, cost-effectively, and with quality in mind.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you’ll support the Purchasing Agent by performing a variety of complex purchasing functions. Responsibilities include preparing and reviewing specifications, evaluating vendor bids, conducting product research and value analysis, and coordinating with departments and vendors. You’ll also monitor purchase orders, resolve delivery issues, and may supervise clerical staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Procure services, supplies, materials, and equipment meeting quality and cost standards
• Review requisitions for accuracy and compliance
• Prepare and evaluate specifications
• Analyze bids and recommend awards
• Conduct market research and value analysis
• Coordinate with departments and vendors
• Track orders and expedite deliveries
• Resolve shipment issues and claims
• Support contracts and incidental purchases
• May supervise clerical staff

What You Bring

Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, along with:

• Knowledge of governmental procurement and purchasing practices
• Experience with bid analysis and specification development
• Basic understanding of accounting principles
• Ability to build effective working relationships
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful work serving your community
• Supportive, collaborative team
• Opportunities for growth
• Competitive pay and benefits

Minimum Qualifications/Necessary Special Requirements

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, accounting, or related field and some experience as a buyer; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that would provide the desirable knowledge, abilities, and skills.