Supervising Buyer

SAN-Bernardino-Count; San Bernardino (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

San Bernardino County is seeking a Supervising Buyer to plan and supervise the procurement unit, review and approve purchase orders and contracts, and conduct complex negotiations and value analysis. The role involves contributing to policy recommendations and handling challenging purchasing decisions.

Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in purchasing/supply management or a related field and have multiple years of direct buying experience, including leadership responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in purchasing/supply management, business/public administration, economics, accounting, finance or related field.
• Four years of direct buying experience and one year of lead or supervisory experience.
• Master's degree may substitute for one year of the experience requirement.

Responsibilities

• Plans and supervises the activities of a procurement unit.
• Reviews and approves purchase orders and contracts.
• Participates in complex negotiations and value analysis.
• Engages in policy recommendations and legal matters and makes strategic purchasing decisions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in purchasing/supply management, business/public administration, economics, accounting, finance or related field

Job description

The Purchasing Department is recruiting for a Supervising Buyer who plans and supervises the activities of a procurement unit; reviews and approves purchase orders and contracts; performs complex negotiations and value analysis; is involved with policy recommendations and legal matters; and makes and carries out challenging purchasing decisions.

For a more detailed description, refer to the Supervising Buyer job description.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Travel: A valid California Class C Driver License is required to carry out the essential job-related functions of this position. Mileage reimbursement and proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained.

Background: Candidates selected for this position must pass a background investigation and medical examination including drug screening.

Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

CANDIDATES MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION

Must possess a completed/awarded Bachelor's degree in purchasing/supply management, business/public administration, economics, accounting, finance or related field.

EXPERIENCE

Must possess four (4) years of (full-time equivalent) direct buying experience for goods and services AND one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience.

SUBSTITUTION

A Master's degree from an accredited institution in a qualifying field may substitute for one (1) year of the experience requirement.

IMPORTANT NOTES

All work experience and education information must be clearly detailed and demonstrated on the application AND supplemental questionnaire to ensure qualifications are properly considered (resumes are not reviewed). All information must be current and up to date.

EDUCATION

Qualifying degrees or coursework must be completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education. Degrees or coursework completed outside the U.S. must be accompanied with an evaluation report from a reputable credential evaluation service showing equivalency to degrees or coursework completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education. (Must be attached if applicable.) For education evaluation services, refer to Naces.

The ideal candidate will exhibit the following abilities and/or attributes:

• Possession of Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification.
• Experience in a centralized, public sector purchasing department with direct buying experience.
• Customer service driven and results-focused in order to provide prompt and efficient service, including prioritization of customer services.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

Examination Procedure

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire; therefore, it is to your advantage to provide as much relevant and detailed work experience as possible, as resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of the application materials.

Application Procedure

Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by 5:00 pm, Friday, September 25, 2026.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application as soon as possible. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records.

If you require technical assistance, review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at [phone]. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application.

EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans’ Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy. (All Veterans Preference documentation (originals not required) must be submitted within 48 hours of submitting your application.)

For important details about the employment and application process, including helpful tips, review the links below:

Employment Hiring Process Information

SBC LevelUp - The Hiring Journey

Guide to Completing a County Job Application