Buyer / Senior Buyer

Salary: $5,813.60 - $9,299.33 Monthly

Closing Date: June 11, 2023, 11:59 p.m.

Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/irwd/jobs/4037522/buyer-senior-buyer

General Description
The Irvine Ranch Water District is now accepting applications for a Buyer / Senior Buyer. This position will be filled at either level depending on qualifications.

Buyer
Under general supervision, performs purchasing transactions for a variety of materials, supplies, services, and equipment for District departments in accordance with District standards, policies, and all applicable legal requirements. Sources and negotiates within established authority for the purchase of goods, services, and materials; creates bids and Request for Proposals for both goods and contracted services. Analyzes quotes received and processes purchase orders to award supplier; and performs related duties as assigned.

Senior Buyer
Under direction, the Senior Buyer independently performs the most complex purchasing transactions for a wide range of materials, supplies, services, and equipment for District departments in accordance with District standards, policies, and all applicable legal requirements. Sources and negotiates within established authority for the purchase of goods, services, and materials; creates bids and Requests for Proposals for both goods and contracted services. Analyzes quotes received and processes purchase orders to award supplier; and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Buyer is the entry level in the Buyer series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Senior Buyer and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

The Senior Buyer is the journey level class in the Buyer series. Positions at this level are distinguished by the performance of the full range of duties assigned, working independently, applying well developed purchasing knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. This position requires occasional instruction and is fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the District.

Summary of Duties

Buyer:

• Perform a variety of procurement related duties in the review, sourcing, negotiation, and receipt of goods and services to ensure they are in accordance with District procurement policy, rules, regulations, and guidelines.

• Receive and analyze assigned purchase requisitions for compliance with District standards and ensure information is complete and accurate, confer with departments to obtain additional required information and resolve questions regarding specifications.

• Prepare, clear, and concise product and service descriptions for inclusion on purchase orders and contracts/agreements for services.

• Analyze bids to determine the lowest bidder consistent with quality, reliability, and ability to meet schedules.

• Prepare both formal and informal bid and Request for Proposal packages for review and approval to submit on to the Districts website; evaluate bids, perform price/cost analysis and summarize bid responses.

• Confer with departments to resolve problems relating to substitutions, equivalents, delivery schedules, and supplier problems; follow up on purchase orders to ensure products are received in a correct and timely manner.

• Develop awards and administer contracts.

• Participate in marketing and requirement studies, analyze data, and submit recommendations for future purchases.

• Compose correspondence to suppliers, businesses, and agency representatives interested in assigned commodities; administer assigned contracts relative to deliveries, quantities, quality, etc.

• Solicit and interview new suppliers utilizing the Supplier Assessment process, participate in the District's Business outreach program and maintain an updated supplier database in Oracle EBS.

• Enter purchase orders and other purchasing related transactions in Oracle EBS.

• Perform special projects and assignments.

• Act as back-up for other Buyers and Purchasing Coordinators.

Senior Buyer:

• Perform a variety of procurement related duties in the review, sourcing, negotiation, and receipt of goods and services to ensure they are in accordance with District procurement policy, rules, regulations and guidelines.

• Perform more complex purchasing requirements; ensure that procurement activities are in accordance with District procurement policy, rules, regulations, and guidelines.

• Receive and analyze assigned purchase requisitions for compliance with District standards and ensure information is complete and accurate; confer with departments to obtain additional required information and resolve questions regarding specifications.

• Prepare clear and concise product and service descriptions for inclusion on purchase orders and contracts/agreements for services.

• Analyze bids to determine lowest bidder consistent with quality, reliability, and ability to meet schedules.

• Prepare both formal and informal bid and Request of Proposal packages for review and approval to submit to Districts website; evaluate bids, perform price/cost analysis, and summarize bid responses.

• Confer with departments to resolve problems relating to substitutions, equivalents, delivery schedules, and supplier problems; follows up on purchase orders to ensure products are received in a correct and timely manner.

• Develop, award, and administer contracts.

• Participate in marketing and requirement studies, analyze data, and submit recommendations for future purchases.

• Compose correspondence to suppliers, businesses, and agency representatives interested in assigned commodities; administers assigned contracts relative to deliveries, quantities, quality, etc.

• Solicit and interview new suppliers utilizing the Supplier Assessment process, participate in the District's Business outreach program and maintain an updated supplier database in Oracle EBS.

• Enter purchase orders and other purchasing related transactions in Oracle EBS.

• Provide guidance and back up for other Buyers.

• Perform special projects and assignments.

• Acts as Purchasing Manager in their absence.

• Comply with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Qualifications

Buyer Requirements:

Education:
A combination of education and experience equivalent to an associate degree in business administration or related field. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

Experience:

• Two years of experience in purchasing supplies, services and equipment is required.

• Purchasing experience supporting maintenance and operations environment preferred.

• Public sector purchasing experience is highly desirable.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Class 'C' California Driver's License.

• Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (APP), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), or other related purchasing certification is highly desirable.

Senior Buyer Requirements:

Education:

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate degree in business administration or related field required. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field desirable.

Experience:

• Five years’ experience in purchasing material requisition orders for supplies, services, equipment, and capital items is required.
• Public Sector experience is highly desirable.

• Proficient in using Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Class 'C' California Driver's License.

• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), or other related purchasing certification is highly desirable.