City and County of San Francisco

Under general direction, performs purchasing work of considerable difficulty and complexity in the central buying bureau or in a large department; exercises technical supervision over journey level or trainee; achieves major economies; makes frequent personal contact with user departments and vendors; and performs related duties as required.

Position in this class are distinguished from the journey level purchaser class in that incumbents are working supervisors who exercise technical supervision consisting primarily of review of completed work or direction on difficult projects. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of 1958 Supervising Purchaser in that the latter exercises over all administration of the buying division and participates in development of methods and procedures.

Supervises a group(s) of Purchasers and/or Assistant Purchasers.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Assigns duties to, inspects and approves the completed work of a group of purchasers engaged in the preparation of product specifications and purchasing contracts, the analysis of vendors' bids, and the awarding of contracts to vendors.

2. Examines and approves for payment: revolving fund vouchers, requests for funds, encumbrance requests, and publicity and advertising vouchers.

3. Prepares and directs the preparation of specifications and contractual conditions for the purchase of a large variety of materials, supplies and services.

4. Reviews and approves the awarding of contracts on informal bids; reviews and recommends the award of contracts on formal bids.

5. May be assigned to perform difficult and complex purchasing activities on site for a large department such as Public Utilities Commission or the San Francisco International Airport.

6. Interprets departmental policy, rules and regulations governing purchasing activities to subordinates, personnel of various city departments, and vendors; gives advice on procedures when required.

Knowledge of: The theory and techniques used in purchasing large quantities of materials, supplies and equipment; the organization and activities of the various city departments; the laws, rules and regulations governing the activities of the purchasing department and purchasing procedures; a wide variety of materials, supplies and equipment and their sources of supply; current market conditions affecting price trends and availability.

Ability and Skill to: Assign, direct, review and approve the work of subordinates and advise and instruct them in their work; write product specifications and purchasing contracts; review and analyze bids of vendors; establish and maintain effective relationships with departmental personnel and vendors.

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college.

Experience:
Three (3) years of professional purchasing experience with responsibilities such as: identifying vendors and a ascertaining quotes, selecting a vendor based on a set of criteria, identifying and negotiating terms and conditions and procuring goods and services.

Substitution:
Additional experience as described above may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis (up to a maximum of two (2) years). Thirty (30) semester units/forty-five (45) quarter units equal one (1) year.

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.