Chief Buyer

Flint; Hall (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Flint seeks a Chief Buyer to supervise purchasing, storage, and disposal of City-owned property. You will draft RFPs, open sealed bids, analyze bids, and prepare Council resolutions per department standards.

Role includes learning and performing cost analyses, basic contract negotiation, and working within bid specifications under detailed guidance. Strong knowledge of procurement processes and public sector rules is essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of BS&A, PO, AP, GL, procurement and bid platforms.
• Understanding of state and federal purchasing laws and city ordinances.
• Experience with governmental procurement and large-scale purchasing.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff and manage purchasing operations.
• Draft RFPs, bids, and related documents; open and review bids.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and bid specifications.

Skills

Procurement systems

Government accounting

Vendor relations

Cost analysis

Communication

Education

College degree in Business Administration / related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Bid platforms (BidNet, MiDeal)

Job description

Posting number: 26-00071B

Department: Finance Office of Director

Job classification: Chief Buyer

Posting type: External_Open

Categories: Purchasing, Records Management

Summary

Supervises and participates in purchasing and storing a wide variety of materials, supplies, and equipment and the disposition of confiscated and/or City-owned property; drafts RFPs and bid documents; opens sealed bids; reviews and analyzes bids and prepares resolutions for Council approval and performs work as required relating to the Purchasing operation. Work includes assistance with routine duties while learning a variety of purchasing responsibilities, including research, cost analyses, and basic contract negotiation in accordance with department standards and bid specifications. Incumbents are assigned duties according to specified procedures and receive detailed instruction.

Examples of duties

1. Supervises and reviews the work of a small clerical staff, initiates quotations and purchase orders; assumes responsibility of Deputy Purchases and Supplies Manager in his/her absence.
2. Plans and organizes the formal and informal bid announcements; evaluates cost and Quality of products and services presented in the quotes with specifications.
3. Examines requisitions for proper specifications and prepares invitations for bids covering a wide variety of materials supplies and equipment; review vendor application, control file of vendors to whom request for bids are to be sent; Works with Departments to ensure proper bid/RFP requirements are met as needed by the requesting department(s).
4. Interviews vendors, inspects the samples they have to offer, and purchases materials, supplies and equipment based on quality and price.
5. Tracks status of orders; investigates problems or errors; resolves complaints, secures adjustments and advises City staff.
6. Prepares agreements and requests insurance documents; tracks status of agreements and resolves changes to documents and insurance requirements.
7. Locates, develops and manages vendor relationships through negotiating and quantifying efficient and low cost suppliers for new or current material requirements.
8. Reviews and recommends to the Purchases and Supplies Manager regarding bud specifications, list of prospective bidders and dates to be set for receiving sealed bids, opening of bids, and prepares appropriate Purchasing resolution and the reconciliation of departmental charges pertaining to the bid.
9. Ensures that Grants and RFP’s are in compliance with state and federal requirements.
10. Reviews with appropriate department personnel in order to obtain potential vendors in the bid process.
11. Evaluates electronic platforms for online bidding and procurement such as bidnet and MiDeal.
12. Works in accordance to the City of Flint Purchasing and Procurement Policies and Ordinance, as well as abide by the standards set forth for Purchasing and Finance as outlined in the City Charter.
13. Other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of BS&A, PO, AP, GL, procurement and bid platforms.
2. The ability to understand state and federal purchasing laws and city ordinances.
3. Knowledge of governmental accounting practices as applied to procurement.
4. Knowledge of large-scale purchasing methods and procedures, and of the rules of regulations governing the purchasing of commodities purchased and sources of supplies necessary.
5. Demonstrated computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet research.
6. Ability to carry out routine administrative detail independently.
7. Ability to maintain clerical records and to prepare accurate reports and tabulations from such records.
8. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with fellow employees, outside agency personnel, and the general public.
9. Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
10. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with employees, vendors and the public.
11. Strives to provide excellent customer service.
12. Ability to work outside of set office hours on occasion.
13. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Additional full-time paid experience as a professional buyer, preferably in the public sector, may be substituted year-for-year for the requirement of college.

Qualifications

1. Graduation from college with a specialization in Business Administration, Construction/Project Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
2. At least two years’ experience in municipal government, procurement, and/or supply chain management.

Supplemental information

1600

Employees hired by the City must maintain residency as follows: Local 1600 - within 20 miles of the nearest boundary of the City of Flint.