Current Employment Opportunities with the City of Meridian:

Job Title: Buyer
Department: Finance
Reports To: Procurement Manager
Open Date: September 6, 2023
Close Date: Open Until Filled
Salary: $35.01 per hour

Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Procurement Manager, prepares and processes formal and informal bids, requests for proposals, requests for qualifications, and associated agreements. This position is required to have considerable working knowledge of government purchasing practices, policies and procedures, best practices, laws, and regulations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Works with City departments to determine product, equipment and service requirements, and method of acquisition;

Assists department with preparation and review of specifications;

Prepare and process formal and informal invitation for bids, requests for proposals, and requests for qualifications and ensures compliance with State Statutes, City ordinances, policies and procedures, and manages the solicitation through the award and contract process;

Prepares contracts/agreements and purchase orders for Procurement Manager review and approval;

Works with City project managers to resolve contract issues with vendors through the life of the contract;

Evaluates, researches, and perfects sole source acquisitions;

Maintains plan holders lists and bidders lists for solicitations;

Conducts pre-bid meetings and compiles questions and answers to be incorporated into addenda’s;

Conducts bid openings, records bid results, reviews and evaluates bids for responsiveness and accuracy, and makes award recommendations to City project managers;

Assists with contract closeout process;

Cultivates relationships with suppliers, contractors and consultants and serves as liaison with City staff;

Advises vendors on how to bid for City business and resolves vendor related issues;

Maintains and updates internal and external purchasing web pages;

Maintains purchasing files and archives;

Responds to public record requests for information and bid challenges;

Assists with the development and implementation of purchasing policies and procedures throughout the City;

Provides information and training to City departments regarding purchasing procedures, statutes and contract compliance;

Recommends improvements in practices and processes;

Works with other agencies to process cooperative purchases;

Researches products and services for value, quality, and applicability;

Meets with vendors to obtain product information and pricing;

Manages the office supply inventory for the Finance Department;

Updates Procurement Manager on issues or concerns and seeks guidance as timely as possible;

Performs other duties as assigned;

Drafts agreements and task orders;

Self-initiates professional and job-related training and development;

Assists with contract management for the City;

Manages City cell phone distribution and inventory;

Manages City mobile carrier contract;

Manages City copier lease contracts with various vendors;

Assists with annual City audit;

Manages financial encumbrances within City’s financial system.

Job Specifications:
Minimum of a BS Degree in Business Management, Accounting or a related field preferred;

Minimum of at least two years’ experience in a public purchasing environment; and/or any combination of experience and/or education demonstrating the necessary skills to successfully perform the duties of the position.

The above minimum qualifications can be met through certification of Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and local laws, and regulations;

Knowledge of computerized accounting systems and experience using personal computers to enter, retrieve, and edit spreadsheets;

Knowledge of the preparation and presentation of reports containing financial and non-financial information along with experience preparing and presenting oral and written reports in a clear and concise manner;

Knowledge of records administration and maintenance techniques and procedures;

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar;

Knowledge sufficient to operate standard office equipment including computer, copier, fax machine and postage machine;

Knowledge of governmental purchasing procedures and methods;

Knowledge of bid preparation, contract creation and contract administration;

Knowledge in preparing contracts and bond requirements for products, services, or equipment;

Knowledge in monitoring contract activity for compliance with terms and conditions;

Knowledge in preparing and evaluating written specifications;

Knowledge in using contracting principals and related legal terminology;

Knowledge of computerized purchasing control systems;

Skills in conflict resolution, collaboration and proactive engagement;

Skills in resiliency, technical writing, and positive customer service;

Skill in use of Microsoft Office Professional software and programs, i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook at an advanced level;

Skill in data entry with minimal errors;

Skill in editing documents for accuracy, clarity, and correct grammar;

Skill in communicating effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language for the needs of the audience;

Skill in public speaking in order to convey information effectively;

Skill in managing own time and the time of others;

Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail;

Ability to interpret and apply NIGP’s purchasing policy, state statutes and NIGP’s Purchasing Practices of Public Procurement;

Ability to handle customer complaints skillfully and respectfully;

Ability to work and deal with a wide range of individuals with professional composure;

Ability with managing situations in which the individual may be upset;

Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions in a team environment as a team player;

Ability to collaborate with others and adapt to changes;

Ability to analyze and interpret financial and non-financial data, draw conclusions, and prepare clear and concise reports/recommendations pertaining to solicitations;

Ability to analyze problems, discern and resolve discrepancies, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, exercise sound, independent judgment, and implement recommendations accordingly;

Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions;

Ability to use logical and creative thought process to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or instructions;

Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;

Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;

Ability to work independently and takes initiative in order to understand and meet deadlines;

Must have a strong sense of ethics and integrity;

Ability to establish priorities in alignment with departmental goals;

Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion;

Ability to review work of self and others for accuracy;

Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports;

Ability to maintain records of materials, supplies, time, and work performed;

Willingness to learn new skills and attend trainings as appropriate.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Work is primarily performed in an office environment with moderate noise level, with many interruptions. This employee is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions, which provide protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes, and is occasionally subject to outside environmental conditions;

High concentration level under normal or stress situations;

Constantly requires sitting at a desk for long periods of time, up to eight (8) hours;

Constantly requires clarity of speech and hearing;

Constantly requires repetitive movement of the wrists, hands and fingers;

Requires ability to work with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:
Local travel is occasionally required.

Apply!   Already a City Employee? Apply Here!