BUYER

City of Torrance; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Torrance is seeking an experienced Buyer to join the Finance Department's Purchasing Team. The Buyer will handle procurement of services, supplies, equipment, and materials, develop specifications, and solicit bids and proposals.

They will evaluate sources, negotiate with vendors, and ensure compliance with city policies. Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration and at least two years of municipal purchasing experience; a CPSM

Qualifications

• Knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures; contract development; sources of supply.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional level purchasing duties for services, supplies, equipment or materials.

Skills

Purchasing methods

Contract development

Negotiation

Problem solving

Interpersonal and customer service

Verbal and written communication

Ability to work with all levels of sta

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration or related field

CPSM certification desirable

Job description

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Buyer to join the Finance Department's Purchasing Team!

The Department

The Finance Department is responsible for the financial administration, from budgeting to auditing, of City fiscal resources and issuing of business licenses. The Finance Director assists the City Manager in the operations and capital improvement budgets, serves as advisor to the Land Management Team and presents to the City Council an annual audited statement of the City's financial condition prepared in accordance with governmental reporting standards promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

The Position

The City of Torrance is looking for an experienced, results driven team player with the ability to make sound decisions to work as a Buyer in the Revenue Division of the Finance Department. The Buyer performs professional level purchasing duties in the procurement of services, supplies, equipment or materials for the City including development of specifications, solicitation recommendations of bids and proposals; and performs related work as required. This individual locates and evaluates sources of supply and determines the lowest responsible vendor; interviews, evaluates, and negotiates with vendors; and secures quotations, proposals and formal bids. The Buyer also conducts surveys regarding purchasing practices and makes recommendations as appropriate; prepares reports and tabulations on materials and services, comparative prices and market trends; and ensures purchasing practices are in compliance with legal, professional and City established policies and procedures, the city Charter and Municipal code.

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration or a related field and two years of progressively responsible experience purchasing materials, equipment, supplies and services in a municipal and/or high volume setting.

License and/or Certificates

A valid California motor vehicle operator's license of the appropriate class.

To possess and maintain a certification as a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certificate from the Institute of Supply Management is desirable.

Successful candidates will possess the following:

• Knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures, contract development, and sources of supply;
• Knowledge of policies and procedures related to the procurement of supplies, materials and professional services;
• Problem solving and research skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:

Panel Interview: 100% (Tentatively Scheduled on November 12, 2026)

The City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.