Buyer

Description

• Review and write requests for proposals/bids for products and services, ensuring compliance with district and federal/special purpose requirements. Furnish technical advice for the preparation and/or revision of specifications.
• Identify and develop sources of supply and services and maintain continuous contact with these sources; schedule and conduct bid/proposal conferences.
• Receive proposals/bids, conduct, and oversee evaluation committee, prepare analysis using MS Excel tabulation spreadsheets, discuss and determine recommendations including vendors’ past performance and qualifications.
• Assist with the negotiation of purchase agreements with vendors, ensuring acceptable quality with adequate deliveries at the best price.
• Edit requisitions and work with departments to coordinate requirements as to the quality, quantity, specifications, and delivery of materials.
• Obtain and analyze quotations on non-standard items and continually audit prices of standard materials and supplies. Make substitution recommendations where savings in cost or better delivery can be realized.
• Prepare recommendations and documents presented to the Board of Trustees for approval.
• Review and approve purchase orders/transactions; place and expedite purchase orders for materials and supplies, ensuring compliance with district purchasing requirements; approve and authorize the issuance of emergency pick-up purchase orders within established practices, regulations, and policies.
• Assist in advising departments concerning deliveries, materials availability, terms, specifications, quotations, and costs.
• Provide support for the district's M/WBE participation goals.
• Provide guidance to schools/departments in securing special items required for special uses.
• Purchase goods and services with proper consideration given to quality, price, and delivery within proper procedures, policies, and requirements.
• Keep abreast of legal requirements and regulations of purchasing for school districts including such federal, state, county, and city laws as may apply.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university preferred.
• Two years of indirect experience required.
• Three years of related experience (preferred), including an institutional/government or school district purchasing environment or other buying experience.
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures and legal requirements of school district purchasing and
• contracts is a plus.
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and requirements of public and private sector purchasing is a plus.
• Awareness of Texas purchasing and bidding laws.
• Ability to assist in planning and situational analysis.
• Competency to plan and schedule buying for the greatest efficiency of service.
• Effective people skills to interact with all levels of employees, staff members, and the general public.
• Planning and problem-solving/investigative skills as required to research inquiries related to job duties.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and assignments; high degree of flexibility required.
• Skills in both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to provide information to staff in a way that maximizes productivity, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• Computer skills, specifically, familiarity with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and Oracle a plus.