Buyer

Young World Physical Education; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk Public Schools is seeking a Buyer to support the Purchasing Division by procuring services, supplies, materials and equipment for the district. Under the Coordinator of Purchasing, you will initiate, review and process requisitions, prepare bid documents and awards.

The role requires knowledge of purchasing procedures, strong communication with vendors and school staff, and proficiency with MS Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in purchasing or related field with procurement experience.
• Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing practices and supplier selection.

Responsibilities

• Initiating, reviewing, assigning and processing requisitions; preparing and maintaining detailed purchasing records.
• Prepares technical specifications and bid documents for purchasing of school system materials.
• Leads the IFB and RFP process through closure, evaluation and award.
• Organizes pre-bid conferences and evaluation committees; acts as main contact with bidders.
• Manages daily administration of the purchase card checkout program; ensures compliance with policies.

Skills

Procurement knowledge

Vendor negotiation

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in purchasing or related field

Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) certification

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Buyer

Suffolk Public Schools School Administrative Offices - Suffolk, Virginia Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Suffolk Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5886915

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 14, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

POSITION TITLE

Insert Job Code: 1451 Insert Job Title: Buyer

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK

Under the leadership of the Coordinator of Purchasing, this position performs difficult technical work procuring services, supplies, materials and equipment; does related work as required.

This is moderate work requiring the exertion of up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or skills associated with

• Initiating, reviewing, assigning and processing requisitions; preparing and maintaining detailed purchasing records; researching specifications; soliciting quotations; preparing bid packages; evaluating and tabulating bid responses; making bid awards;
• Prepares technical specifications and bid documents for purchasing of school system materials, equipment, furniture, etc;
• Leads the IFB and RFP process through closure, evaluation and award, participates in negotiation process;
• Organizes and directs pre-proposal and pre-bid conferences, we well as evaluation committees and negotiation teams; serves as a point-of contact with prospective bidders;
• Manages the daily administration of the purchase card checkout program;
• Represents the Coordinator of Purchasing in their absence ensuring the proper operation of the purchasing division and compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures; assist in general administration of the Purchasing Department.
• Meets and communicates with vendors and school personnel relating to purchasing procedures and current projects:
• Participates in interviews to determine best possible vendor for a product or service;
• Keep accurate records of purchases and follow up to ensure delivery schedules are met and products meet specifications;
• Answers telephones, makes copies, prepares and maintains files, records and procurement log; post procurements on website;
• Keeps abreast of developments in procurement procedures by attending continuing education and professional venues;
• Participates in cooperative purchasing with other school districts;
• Performs related tasks as required.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of purchasing practices and general office procedures; ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; general knowledge of materials, supplies and equipment used by a school system; ability to establish effective working relationships with associates, vendors and the general public; strong computer skills to include experience with MS Office products.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree purchasing or related fields with considerable experience in the procurement of materials, equipment and supplies.

Certifications:

Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) professional certification in purchasing required.

EQUIPMENT

Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copier and telephone.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (Travel)

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

FLSA STATUS

Non-Exempt

AA/EOE STATEMENT

This employer does not knowingly discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or national origin.

JOB REVISION INFORMATION

Created:

Revised:8/13/26

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $62,629 to $80,309 Per Year

Job Categories: Support Staff > Clerical

Job Requirements

• At least 4 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Human Resources Department
• School Administrative Offices
• Suffolk, Virginia 23434
• Phone: [phone]