Senior Purchasing Agent

SALARY: $53,000-55,000 Annually

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under supervision of the Director of Purchasing, this position is responsible for properly supporting and executing the City's activities in the procurement of supplies, materials, and equipment across a range of City operations. The Senior Purchasing Agent will be responsible for maintaining compliance with the City’s Purchasing Policy and applicable laws, while also delivering cost-effective results and supporting the Cities Minority and Women Owned Business Initiatives.

As a leader and employee of the City of South Bend, you are called upon to serve in a manner that supports Our Core Values: Excellence, Accountability, Innovation, Inclusion, and Empowerment as you carry out our primary employee expectations: Champion Values & Organizational Pride, Champion Operational Excellence, Make Sound Decisions, Embrace Coaching and Accountability, Communicate with Excellence, Value Diverse People and Perspectives, Embrace Personal Development, Exhibit a Positive Attitude and Own Your Health, Wellness & Safety

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Not applicable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This list represents the types of duties required by the position. Other duties may be assigned by the Director of Purchasing.

Serve as a vital participant in the City’s procurement processes, including the review and approval of purchase requisitions and the training of requisition preparers.

Provide guidance and oversight to City Departments with respect to compliance with City purchasing policies and Indiana law, contract administration, purchasing/bid procedures, and the troubleshooting of procurement related matters.

Maintain City vendor database and assist with vendor relations and negotiations.

Assist with the preparation of bid specifications and other necessary documents related to the purchase of vehicles, services, supplies, equipment, and materials.

Analyze purchasing history and trends and recommend sourcing strategies.

Lead or contribute to procurement-related projects, as required.

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs related work as requested.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or equivalent, Associates Degree preferred with concentration in business management or accounting, or equivalent education and experience in government procurement.

Prior experience with State of Indiana procurement requirements is strongly preferred.

Prior experience reviewing business contracts and invoices is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY:

Knowledge of principles, practices, rules and regulations related to public purchasing.

Knowledge of competitive bidding procedures.

Knowledge of methods of conducting product and vendor research.

Knowledge of types of products and services, including familiarity with NAICS codes.

Ability to be a team player in a culture of continuous improvement in the City’s procurement and financial functions.

Ability to communicate consistently and clearly with internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge of Microsoft 365 Software or other automated purchasing and inventory systems is a plus.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) software.

Strong organizational skills and proven ability to maintain accurate, detailed records that will be audited periodically.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to work under pressure in a high-volume office, produce accurate work, and meet established deadlines.

Ability to work effectively with co-workers, employees, and management in a pleasant, professional manner.

Dependable, resourceful, and able to work independently and to maintain strict confidentiality.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSE, REGISTRATION:

· Valid Driver’s License or ability to obtain one is preferred.

EQUIPMENT:

Desktop and laptop computer, telephone, ten key calculator, and other general office equipment (including but not limited to fax machine, printers, copy machine, scanners, etc.).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer