Specializations

NIGP; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Ventura seeks a customer service oriented and detail focused purchasing professional to join the Finance Department as a Buyer or Senior Buyer. This role procures supplies, equipment and services with emphasis on contract development, negotiation, review and administration, ensuring compliance with procurement standards.

Responsibilities include vendor negotiations, contract monitoring, and managing public resources responsibly, with federal/state/local requirements under 2 CFR Part

Qualifications

• Buyer position requires two years of college coursework in business administration or related field, plus two years of volume purchasing experience.
• Senior Buyer requires a Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or related field, plus two years' public agency purchasing experience or three years' equivalent.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required.
• Equal opportunity employer statement.

Responsibilities

• Provide purchasing guidance to City departments on market trends and supply conditions.
• Review requisitions for accuracy and assist in bid specification development.
• Prepare federally compliant solicitations, bids, and proposals and evaluate vendor proposals.
• Negotiate contracts and monitor compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
• Monitor contract spend, renewals, and vendor performance.
• Resolve PO issues and expedite orders; supervise clerical staff as needed.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Vendor management

Federal procurement knowledge

Customer service

Education

Two years of college coursework in business administration or related field

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or related field

Job description

About the Opportunity The City of Ventura is seeking a customer service-oriented and detail-focused purchasing professional to join the Finance Department as a Buyer or Senior Buyer.

This position is responsible for procuring supplies, equipment, and services within assigned commodities, with a strong emphasis on contract development, negotiation, review, and administration. Key responsibilities include negotiating vendor contracts, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local procurement requirements, and administering contracts in accordance with federal procurement standards under 2 CFR Part 200, where applicable.

The position also supports contract monitoring, expenditure tracking, renewals, and vendor performance to ensure contractual obligations are met and public resources are managed responsibly.

This is a flexibly staffed position, with the level of appointment determined by the candidate’s qualifications and experience, applicable minimum qualifications (MQs), and the needs of the City.

Key responsibilities include: Provides purchasing guidance and information to City departments regarding market trends, product availability, industry developments, and supply conditions; evaluates departmental needs and coordinates product samples and demonstrations.

Reviews purchase requisitions for accuracy and completeness; assists departments in developing bid specifications and ensures requirements are appropriate and clearly defined.

Prepares federally compliant solicitations, bids, and proposals, including terms and conditions; solicits formal and informal bids, conducts pre-bid meetings and formal bid openings, and evaluates vendor proposals based on cost, quality, and suitability of products and services.

Negotiates contracts for products and services, within assigned commodities and in accordance with federal guidance under 2CFR200, and supports contract administration to ensure all local, state, and federal purchasing requirements are met.

Citywide general contract administration, including but not limited to: monitoring contract spend, renewals, and legal compliance.

Resolves purchase order issues and vendor disputes by coordinating with City departments and vendors; expedites orders and processes change orders as needed.

Evaluates vendor performance, interviews prospective vendors, and assesses their qualifications and suitability to provide goods and services to the City.

May supervise clerical staff and perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

– Required Buyer: A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to completion of two years of college coursework in business administration, or a related field, and two years of experience in volume purchasing of specified commodities is required.

Senior Buyer: A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, or a related field, and two years of experience equivalent to that of Buyer with the City of Ventura OR three years of volume purchasing experience including one year with a public agency and some experience with contract agreements, are required.

License: Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law.

We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce.

We welcome you to join our team!