SENIOR BUYER

(ALL JURISDICTIONS)

Definition

Under supervision, takes the lead over assigned employees and performs technical work involved in preparing proposals, orders, and reports, arranges for the purchase of equipment, materials, and supplies used by various departments, and may perform the work involved in term contracts; does other related duties as required.

NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.



EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Supervises the work of a buying team involved in the purchase of various types of commodities.
• Aids in formulating standardized systems for the preparation of receiving, processing, and recording requisitions.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of term contracts.
• Provides advice on requisitioning procedures and correct use of orders and applications.
• Studies the need and application for annual contracts.
• Prepares proposals and develops the annual contract program in assigned commodity areas.
• May participate in receiving, tabulating, and recording quotations from vendors.
• Checks accuracy and relevancy of item descriptions and specifications.
• Checks preparation and distribution of proposals to vendors.
• Ascertains prices of commodities and/or services and ascertains ability of the supplier to deliver specified items.
• Interviews salespersons and vendors in the office concerning their products.
• Confers with representatives of various departments of the jurisdiction concerning their requirements for items on order and determines acceptability of substitutes.
• Prepares statistical, cost, and other reports.
• Prepares advertisements for soliciting bids.
• Prepares purchase orders.
• Prepares correspondence regarding purchasing matters.
• Establishes and maintains records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
  
  

Requirements

EDUCATION

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.

NOTE: Applicants who do not meet the above education requirement may substitute additional experience as described below on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.



Experience

Three (3) years of experience in the large scale purchase of commodities, materials, equipment, and/or supplies.



LICENSE

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.



Knowledge And Abilities

• Knowledge of methods and procedures involved in the purchase of equipment, materials, and/or supplies.
• Knowledge of problems encountered in government purchasing.
• Knowledge of record keeping procedures.
• Ability to organize purchasing work and to develop effective work methods.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret purchase regulations and apply them to specific situations..
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with associates, superior officers, vendors, and salespersons and others concerned with purchase matters.
• Ability to draft proposals specifically designed to ensure timely delivery at the best possible price of services or commodities of the required quality.
• Ability to analyze bids.
• Ability to interview salespersons and vendors.
• Ability to determine actions required to expedite delivery of purchases.
• Ability to prepare correspondence and reports.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
  
  

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.