Buyer, Business

Work Situational Factors

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policy.

Light physical demands; mostly desk work. Frequent to constant use of a personal computer.

Work is performed in a standard office environment.

• Administers and reviews procurements of materials and services in accordance with City, state, and Federal acquisition regulations; assists in developing specifications; prepares bid invitations, solicits quotes, reviews bid proposals, makes or recommends awards, and enters into City contracts for the purchase of materials and services within budget constraints and scope of authority.
• Assists with the preparation and evaluation of bid proposals, selection of contractors and negotiation of contracts in order to procure the most cost-effective supplies, materials and services from qualified and responsive vendors; develops technical documents and supporting paperwork, and reviews vendors' bids to assure responsiveness and consistency of bids.
• Works with internal customers in developing specifications for services and commodities to meet their requirements; researches new and existing products and services; interviews vendors to obtain product and service cost and delivery information; evaluates the quality of products and services; assists in identifying product and service defects and takes necessary corrective action.
• Responds to questions from suppliers, contractors, and department officials and employees regarding purchase requisitions, specifications, bids, contracts, orders, and related matters; interprets purchasing ordinances and regulations.
• Makes decisions within limits of delegated authority and budgetary constraints on selection of suppliers, acceptance of bids, and determination of the most cost-effective procurement method for the City of Las Cruces; establishes and maintains harmonious business relations with external and internal customers.

Bachelor's degree with major coursework in materials management, accounting, public administration, business administration, or related field PLUS three years purchasing and/or materials management experience required. Public sector purchasing experience is preferred. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Valid driver’s license is preferred. If applicable, position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City policy. Certified Purchasing Manager or other relevant technical certifications is preferred.

General knowledge of: State and Federal laws, statutes, rules, ordinances, codes and regulations governing procurement activities and functions; principles and practices of public sector purchasing, records management, and customer service; principles of materials management and control;
City ordinances, codes, policies, resolutions, and agreements related to procurement activities; business and personal computers, and spreadsheet software applications;
City policies and procedures.

Skills in: Understanding procurement standards and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations; analyzing sources of supply, marketing practices and pricing methods; assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands; interpreting technical instructions and analyzing complex variables; effective oral and written communication; establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers and representatives from other local, state and Federal agencies.