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.
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.
Receives general direction from higher-level professional staff.
Exercises direct supervision over assigned technical and clerical staff.
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.
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.
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: