POSITION: Buyer I

DEPARTMENT: Purchasing and Business Services

REPORTS TO: Director of Purchasing and Business Services

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: May supervise clerical staff and work study students.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Buyer I will serve as a team member of the Purchasing and Business Services department for the college, and will be responsible for, but not limited to, specifying, sourcing, bidding, analyzing, and procuring goods, services, contracts for building maintenance, labor and materials construction bid processing, etc., in compliance with college policies and federal and Commonwealth of Massachusetts laws and regulations. The Buyer I will develop, recommend, implement, and interpret appropriate college policies and procedures; ensure best-value procurements for the college; update and utilize Commbuys and other publicly bid contracts; and work closely with the fiscal area and provide purchasing support for departments college-wide. They also act as the department liaison with college offices, employees and students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review requests submitted by college employees for purchases in order to determine compliance with established procedures.
• Provide technical assistance and advice to college employees, vendors, etc. in order to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Act as a liaison with vendors and college employees.
• Prepare written purchasing documents such as but not limited to requests for expenditures, purchase orders, requests for proposals and contracts.
• Reconcile purchasing functions, including online purchasing.
• Update and utilize Commbuys and other publicly bid contracts.
• Participate in bid openings.
• Collect data for college inventory and prepare related reports.
• Assist in proper handling and reporting of surplus property.
• Provide coverage for Business Services and other areas such as Campus Card Office, Copy Center, Shipping/Receiving, Mailroom and Facilities.
• Support the college's sustainability efforts and assist with reporting.
• Provide updated information for the college's Purchasing web page.
• File records in accordance with standard filing procedures.
• Obtain information concerning materials, supplies and equipment by reviewing technical literature, participating in professional organizations, interviewing vendors, visiting vendor facilities, attending product demonstrations and obtaining samples.
• Work independently and in conjunction with a team on special nonrecurring and/or ongoing projects.
• Operate standard office equipment including but not limited to a computer, printer, copier and fax machine.
• Use the college's Management Information System (MIS) software, including but not limited to Banner, Wasp (inventory track software), and School Dude.
• Participate in committee/council assignments and professional development.
• Demonstrate a sense of professionalism and consistently reflect Bristol's core values while interacting with members of the Bristol community.
• Focus on the Commonwealth's Equity Agenda by applying related best practices throughout all job functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in purchasing work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

An Associate or higher degree with a major in business administration or business management may be substituted for the required experience.*

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of purchasing, including contract negotiation and preparation.
• Reliable transportation in order to travel to and from meetings, trainings, or work-sites as required, including workshops, purchasing meetings, and professional development.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Understand, explain and apply college policies and Federal and Commonwealth of Massachusetts laws and regulations, specifications, standards and guidelines related to purchasing supplies, materials, services and equipment.
  • Give and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Deal tactfully with others.
  • Maintain accurate records.
  • Work independently and exercise sound judgment, as well as adjust to changing situations to meet changing program or production requirements.
  • Read and interpret documents such as contracts, bids, specifications, etc. and prepare general reports.
  • Work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree or higher preferred.
• Demonstrated work experience in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel), Banner, Wasp, as well as willingness to learn new software applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of managing and tracking inventory assets.
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the purchase order process
• Demonstrated the ability to multitask in a high pace environment.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts General Laws that pertain to the contracting process for public works and public construction/renovation projects.
• Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) certification.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) certification.
• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The employee must meet the physical demands and work environment of the position, which may include but is not limited to the ability to move from room to room and to apply inventory tags to various equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

POSITION STATUS: This is a full-time, state funded, AFSCME, unit-classified position with benefits.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION: http://www.mass.edu/shared/documents/classificationspecs/specspers/Buyer Series.doc

SALARY: AFSCME Unit I, Grade 15, Step 1, $47,338.98 annually. Appointments from outside the bargaining unit begin at Step 1.