Placer County

Buyer - Senior (#13576)

$36.95-$46.14 Hourly / $6,404.67-$7,997.60 Monthly / $76,856.00-$95,971.20 Yearly

DEFINITION

To supervise and direct the daily work of assigned staff within the Procurement Services Division; to perform purchasing services in the most difficult, complex, and specialized commodity areas; and to perform a variety of technical tasks and special assignments relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class within the Buyer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, and the amount of time spent performing the more complex duties. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series, including exercising direct supervision over technical and clerical staff and planning, assigning, and evaluating the work of subordinates. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from higher-level professional staff.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned technical and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Recommend and assist in the implementation of unit goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for the Procurement Services Division; assist with the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
  • Represent the Purchasing Manager as directed; in the absence of the Purchasing Manager, assume  responsibility of the division as needed.
  • Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of assigned technical and clerical staff.
  • Train subordinate  staff in  pertinent local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and rules applicable to public procurement.
  • Perform the most difficult purchasing tasks requiring extensive knowledge of technical and specialized commodities and services; conduct formal and informal solicitations and prepare specifications; analyze, evaluate, and recommend awards.
  • Conduct product research; evaluate markets and trends for procurement; develop and prepare commodity specifications.
  • Mediate and resolve problems encountered by subordinate staff.
  • Prepare and maintain appropriate records, reports, and correspondence.
  • Confer with departmental officials to determine purchasing needs. 
  • Assist in the development and monitoring of the division budget.
  • Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
  • Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
  • Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints; recommend corrective action as necessary.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Ensure compliance with pertinent local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and rules applicable to public procurement.
  • Perform and conduct competitive contract negotiations and administration with outside vendors and consultants.
  • Conduct and review analytical studies and surveys in difficult or complex situations which require a high level of skill, judgment, and expertise; make recommendations on a broad spectrum of administrative and program-related topics; maintain records and statistics; prepare productivity and other reports.
  • Administer and oversee the County  procurement card program, County surplus program, specialized financial, procurement, and data management software, and other special programs and processes.
  • Develop, implement, and conduct procurement training sessions. 
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an indoor office and/or warehouse environment with controlled temperature conditions. Position may require travel to and from other locations in a variety of outdoor weather conditions and lifting various materials and supplies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible journey-level experience in purchasing, including two years with a governmental agency performing duties similar to a Buyer II in Placer County. Prior supervisory experience is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, economics, or a related field. 

Required License or Certificate:
  • May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), or equivalent certification is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of public purchasing and County administration, organization, programs, and functions.
  • Materials, supplies, equipment, and contracted services used by a large public agency.
  • Basic accounting and data processing principles.
  • Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluations.
  • Principles of budget monitoring.
  • Principles and practices of work safety.
  • Pertinent local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and rules applicable to public procurement.
  • Computer systems and software, including word processing and spreadsheet applications and financial accounting systems.
  • Statistical methods and analysis and the use of statistics in reports.

Ability to:

  • Organize, implement, and direct purchasing operations and activities.
  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem-solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use a telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means;  lift heavy weight.
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
  • Interpret and explain pertinent local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and rules applicable to public procurement.
  • Negotiate and administer contracts to ensure that goods and services are delivered consistent with contract and bid specifications.
  • Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
  • Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Prepare detailed and complex written reports. 
  • Prepare and conduct effective presentations.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation:
All permanent appointments from open eligible lists to positions in the classified service shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more.

Bargaining Unit:
Professional

CLASS: 13576; EST: 1/1/2004; REV: 1/13/2020;