Senior Buyer

City of Boca Raton; Boca Raton (FL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Continuous service benefit

Flexible work schedule

Retirement plans

Job summary

City of Boca Raton is seeking a Senior Buyer to source services, goods, and materials in alignment with City objectives. You will collaborate with departments, manage bids, and ensure compliance with Florida procurement laws, including the Sunshine law.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor's degree in a related field and at least five years of government procurement experience, with strong negotiation, contract management, and vendor performance skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, contract management, or procurement or closely related field.
• Five years of experience in procurement for construction and services with a government entity.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase requisitions and issue Purchase Orders in compliance with state, local laws, and City regulations.
• Develop specifications and review clarity and related information.
• Solicit and analyze competitive solicitations (ITBs, RFPs, RFQs) and monitor vendor performance.

Skills

Clear specs

MS Office

Time management

Attention to detail

Communication

Analytical

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration / contract management / procurement

Tools

ERP System (IonWave)

eSourcing Portal (IonWave)

Job description

Build Your Future with the City of Boca Raton!

At the City of Boca Raton, a career in public service is more than a job — it’s your chance to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and sustainable coastal community. Driven by our core values of Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Trust, we are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel appreciated, inspired, and supported.

Why Boca Raton?

As the second largest city in Palm Beach County, the City of Boca Raton offers robust benefits to their employees:

• Health Insurance Benefits: No-cost employee Medical, Dental & Vision plans
• Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays + vacation, sick, and 3 floating holidays
• Continuous Service Benefit: Paid out annually after 5 years of service
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedule
• Retirement Plans: Two pension/retirement options to choose from

Apply now and join the city that’s building careers and shaping a stronger tomorrow!

General Statement Of Job

The Senior Buyer is responsible for sourcing a wide range of services, goods, supplies, materials, equipment, and construction needs in alignment with organizational objectives. This role requires strong collaboration with team members and stakeholders to manage and prioritize tasks effectively. The Senior Buyer must excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills. A key aspect of the role is the ability to work independently to meet deadlines while contributing to the team's success. The Senior Buyer should also take a proactive approach in continuously improving processes to enhance overall team performance and efficiency.

Essential Functions

• Processes purchase requisitions and issues Purchase Orders; verifies available funding and utilized procurement process in compliance with State, local laws, and City procurement regulations.
• Develops and researches specifications, reviews specifications for clarity, accuracy, and necessary related information.
• Develops and manages various solicitation methods (i.e., ITB, RFP, CMAR, RFQ, RFQu, and compliance checklists.
• Solicits, receives, and analyzes competitive solicitation, and informal solicitation processes.
• Develops council recommendation letters for award, and monitors vendor performance and assists the departments in contract management.
• Conducts solicitation openings, pre-proposal conferences, and other procurement related meetings in accordance with Florida Sunshine law.
• Act as chairperson for selection committees and assist Department in contract negotiations.
• Researches a variety of sources, documents, etc. to ensure adequacy of specification in terms of clarity, precision, and related criteria.
• Meets and consults with department representatives regarding the preparation for solicitation packages, analysis, evaluation, and award.
• Monitors and updates status of annual contracts listing.
• Researches and obtains Florida State contracts and other Intergovernmental contracts.
• Review and research of sole source procurement submittals from Departments.
• Advises City departments and Vendor Community on procurement policies and procedures.
• Assists assigned departments with procurement activities.
• Seeks new innovative methods and practices to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Issue purchase orders or contracts as applicable after award approval.
• Keeps abreast of changes in policies, regulations, state and local laws, and directives to determine the best effect on overall operations.
• Provide training and develops solutions to contractual problems.
• Develop plans for accomplishment of assigned functions to meet priorities, deadlines and implementation of goals established by management.
• Assist City Departments in monitoring and maintaining assigned annual contracts for various services, goods, supplies, materials, equipment, and construction utilized by the City.
• Reviews and monitors small dollar procurements and develops possible new supply sources and possible new term contracts.
• Reviews supplier database and develops possible new supply sources; Handles unique and complex procurements and research assignments.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Procurement Laws and Regulations: Knowledge of state, local, and federal procurement regulations, including Florida Sunshine Law, and City procurement regulations.
• Contract Management: Knowledge of contract development, negotiation, and management processes.
• Vendor Performance and Compliance: Understanding of vendor performance monitoring and contract compliance.
• Sourcing and Supplier Management: Knowledge of sourcing strategies, vendor selection, and supplier relationship management.
• Business methods, market research, and procurement standard practices.
• Various grades and qualities of, goods, supplies, materials, equipment, and construction procurement needed by the City.
• Standard office procedures, practices, and equipment.
• Consultant’s Competitive Negotiations Act (CCNA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations.
• Market Research and Competitive Analysis: Ability to research market trends, analyze competitive bids, and source new supply options.
• Public Procurement Processes: Familiarity with various procurement methods such as ITBs, RFPs, RFQs, and sole source procurement processes.
• Governmental Procurement Systems: Knowledge of Florida State and intergovernmental procurement contracts and their application.

Skilled In

• Write clear and concise specifications.
• Microsoft Office Suite products to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, to an intermediate degree of proficiency.
• Time management: Organizing and allocating time to plan, execute, and follow-up on and complete tasks. Handle multiple tasks and prioritize workload.
• Attention to Detail: High attention to detail when reviewing specifications, bids, contracts, and vendor performance to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in written form, deliver training, and interact effectively with vendors and department representatives.
• Analytical assessment: Strong analytical skills to assess procurement data, evaluate supplier proposals, and determine the most cost-effective solutions.

Ability To

• Communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
• Exercise discretion and judgment in performing procurement functions.
• Identify issues in procurement processes and develop effective solutions.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, meeting deadlines and maintaining a high level of productivity.
• Learn and effectively utilize the City financial Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System and eSourcing Portal (IonWave).
• Accurately follow and implement detailed written or oral instructions, ensuring tasks are completed in accordance with specified guidelines and requirements while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, vendors, City staff, and the general public.

Minimum And Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in business administration, contract management, or procurement or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in the procurement of construction and services, goods, materials, and equipment with a government entity
• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class “E” driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) - Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification and/or National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP)– Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) is strongly preferred, certifications from other accredited organizations may be considered.

Additional experience is accepted as a minimum requirement in lieu of the postsecondary degree on the following basis: additional four (4) years in lieu of the bachelor’s degree, and additional two (2) years in lieu of an associate degree.

Post Offer Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Educational Verification
• Certification/License Verification
• Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran's Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace. It is the policy of the City of Boca Raton to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Benefits Summary

• ANNUAL LEAVE: Shall accrue prior to an employee attaining permanent status in the classified service and may be used after six (6) months of employment at the sole discretion of the Department Head, but it shall not be paid out upon resignation or termination unless the employee has attained permanent status (one full year). The maximum accrual is 360 hours.
• Years of Service Accrual: 0 to 5 full years 8 hours per month / 5 to 10 full years 10 hours per month / 10 to 15 full years 12 hours per month / 15 full years and over 14 hours per month
• CASH OUT OF ANNUAL LEAVE: Employees who have attained permanent status shall be permitted to cash out up to forty (40) hours of accrued and unused Annual Leave, either in a single lump sum payment or two or more partial payments, each fiscal year.
• SICK LEAVE: 8 hours per month. Any hours in excess of 960 will be paid off annually at 50%. Upon retirement, employees with a minimum of 5 years continuous service will receive 50% of sick leave balance. Termination for reasons other than retirement shall be entitled to payment for accrued, but unused sick leave, as follows: Less than 2 full years 0% / 2 to 5 full years 10% / 5 to 10 full years 20% / 10 full years or more 30% / Retirement (normal, early or disability) 50%
• HEALTH INSURANCE (Premiums): Employee Medical (Base Plan) - Paid 100% by City. Employee contributions are required for the buy up employee coverage plans. Employee Dental (DHMO or Basic PPO Plan) & Vision (Basic Plan) paid 100% by City. Employee contributions are required for the Employee + Dependent(s) for the Medical, Dental, & Vision Plan.
• CONTINUOUS SERVICE BENEFIT: As of December 1, each year - Paid during the month of December. Years of Service Benefit: 5 to 10 full years $600 annually / 10 to 15 full years $800 annually / 15 full years and over $1,000 annually
• RETIREMENT PLANS: The two pension/retirement options are listed below:
  • Option to enroll in a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. The Defined Contribution Retirement Plan will not require a mandatory contribution. The City will contribute seven (7%) percent of the annual base wages annually. The vesting period for this plan shall be one (1) year from date of hire in the classified service, which coincides with your one-year probationary period.
  • Option to enroll in a Defined Benefit Retirement Plan option is available. There is a ten (10) year vesting period with a multiplier of 2.00% at normal retirement and a mandatory seven and three-quarters (7.75%) percent employee contribution.
  • The two (2) options will be fully explained prior to an irrevocable selection.
• Optional: 457 Deferred Compensation Savings Plan is available.
• HOLIDAYS: 15 per year: 12 recognized holidays and 3 floating days which are allocated for the fiscal year beginning October 1, to all 8 hour per day employees. Employees hired between October 1 and March 31 shall receive 3 floating holidays. Employees hired between April 1 and September 30 shall receive 1.5 floating holidays. Floating holidays must be used within the fiscal year. Non-task employees working 10-hour days receive 10, 10-hour paid holidays but do not receive floating holidays.
• FUNERAL LEAVE: Up to 3 workdays - In State; Up to 5 workdays - Out of State
• TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement as outlined in the City’s Tuition Reimbursement Policy which is available in Human Resources and subject to the availability of departmental funds.
• MILITARY LEAVE: Members in military reserve units who attend annual training are entitled to paid leave not to exceed 30 days each calendar year.
• EAP: Employees, spouses, and eligible dependents have access to five (5) face‑to‑face sessions with a counselor through Cigna's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Services include assistance with legal, financial, parenting, elder care, pet care, and identity theft.

Application Questionnaire

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

01

• What is the highest level of education you have completed? NOTE: You must attach proof (diploma or degree or transcripts) of highest education completed with your