Purchasing Agent

City of Plano; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking municipal organization as a Purchasing Agent, where your expertise in construction procurement will be pivotal in enhancing community services. Collaborate with diverse departments and lead procurement initiatives that ensure transparency and efficiency. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on public projects while enjoying a supportive work environment that values excellence and community service. If you are passionate about public service and possess strong supervisory skills, this is the perfect opportunity to contribute to a thriving community.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Membership in Texas Municipal Retirement System

Tuition Assistance

Free Library Card

Free recreation center membership

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

Qualifications

• 4 years of experience in public procurement operations.
• Experience in supervising staff and managing procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and evaluates the work activities of assigned staff.
• Prepares and oversees contracts for various projects.
• Develops specifications and determines procurement methods.

Skills

Supervisory Skills

Construction Procurement

Public Purchasing

Contract Administration

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration

Job description

At the City of Plano, our values make us who we are and guide us as we SERVE our city. As members ofTeam Plano, our organizational Values (what is most important to us) make up the acronym,SERVE(StewardshipEngagedRespectfulVisionaryExcellence).

The ideal candidate will be the Purchasing Agent, will be at the forefront of our mission to deliver unparalleled service. Collaborating closely with various departments and an exceptional team, you'll be instrumental in navigating the complexities of construction procurement with precision.

This role isn’t just about ticking boxes. As part of our team, you'll have the chance to lead by example, utilizing your expertise in construction procurement, savvy supervisory skills, and public purchasing. Plus, we're all about that extra mile, so if you're passionate about serving our community, you're already halfway there!

At the City of Plano, we don't just work—we SERVE. Our values aren't just words on paper; they're the beating heart of everything we do. Join us, and let's build a future together where excellence is the “norm” and every day is an opportunity to shine."

As a valued Team Plano member, you will receive numerous benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Membership in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS), in which the City matches contributions 2:1 upon retirement
• Enrollment in the Retirement Security Plan (RSP) which is fully funded by the City
• Up to three weeks of paid vacation
• Up to three weeks of paid sick leave per year
• Nine paid holidays
• Tuition Assistance
• Free Library Card
• Free recreation center membership

And so much more! Learn about our benefits here.

Every person matters. Every job has purpose. Together we make a difference. Join Team Plano!

Summary of Duties: Under general supervision, the Purchasing Agent is responsible for supervising, coordinating and organizing various procurement, and contract administration activities of the Procurement division.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Supervises, instructs, schedules, reviews and evaluates the work activities of assigned staff; participates in hiring, dismissal, disciplinary and merit recommendations.
• Works with City departments to develop specifications and determine proper procurement methods for complex and high technology purchases and other equipment and services, including construction.
• Prepares, negotiates, coordinates, reviews, and oversees contracts, agreements, leases, contract amendments, and renewals for routine and complex projects.
• Supports and facilitates project planning, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting activities for all projects assigned; develops methods to monitor the progress of the project and provide corrective actions if necessary.
• Assists staff in coordinating any change requests related to the working project plans to meet pre- determined deadlines.
• Participates in the administration of the City's Business Outreach Program and Procurement Card Program.
• Reviews reports and makes recommendations for contracting opportunities; examines budget estimates as they pertain to contract award expenditures.
• Coordinates the preparation of contract award memos and financial worksheets.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

Marginal Duties:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Decisions: The incumbent must analyze buying history and determine/implement contracting opportunities. The incumbent must promote involvement of small, minority and woman-owned businesses in the City’s procurement activities. Conducts analysis and evaluation of bid responses for adherence to specifications and preliminary recommendation of award. The incumbent must establish performance measures for assigned staff and evaluate employee performance against those standards of measure. The incumbent is responsible for identifying problem areas and recommending improvements when preparing specifications.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of: Purchasing methods and procedures; SMWBE programs; supervisory principles and practices; purchasing best practice in the public sector.

Skill in: Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; preparing bid specifications; evaluating bid responses; supervising assigned staff; interpreting complex information and making decisions accordingly; interpreting and evaluating contractual language.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business or Public Administration, or related field.

Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in public procurement operations, including one (1) year supervisory experience.

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP, CPSM, or CPCM certification or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of hire or eligibility.

Conditions of Employment: Must pass a drug test, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: This is primarily an office classification, although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Opportunity Employer - EOE/M/F/V/D

Open positions are subject to close without notice.