PURCHASING AGENT IV

To coordinate, within assigned categories, the professional purchasing of a variety of categories of complex materials, supplies and equipment to support a broad range of diverse instructional and technical school system programs. The position also provides technical guidance to school administrators originating requests to purchase electronic and other specialized equipment and services.

The Purchasing Agent IV shall carry out the essential performance responsibilities listed below:

• Supervise staff as assigned in the performance of job duties.
• Write, edit, recommend, and coordinate highly technical product specifications and bid conditions and analyze price comparison with market trends, economy and availability of products to determine the procurement process for obtaining the most suitable product at the lowest and best price for assigned categories.
• Expedite follow-up on all purchase orders within area of assigned responsibility.
• Work with committees of teachers, curriculum planners, principals, and department heads in to formulate and upgrade specifications and evaluation of bids.
• Meet and interact effectively with the general public, staff members, administrators and other contact persons, using tact and good judgment.
• Maintain complete responsibility for the formal bid process in area of assigned commodity responsibility.
• Exercise direct contact with vendors to ensure performance and follow-up on identified discrepancies.
• Purchase materials, supplies, and equipment in areas of assigned responsibility.
• Ensure proper handling of school and department requisitions and secure lowest possible cost for items needed.
• Solicit written and telephone price quotations.
• Assist in the coordination of purchases for all new schools.
• Maintain vendor file in area of assigned commodity responsibility.
• Maintain requisition log in area of assigned responsibility.
• Assign vendor code numbers to purchase requisitions.
• Perform and promote all activities in compliance with the equal employment and nondiscrimination policies of The School Board of Broward County, Florida.
• Participate in training programs offered to enhance the individual skills and proficiency related to job responsibilities.
• Review current developments, literature and technical sources of information related to job responsibilities.
• Ensure adherence to safety rules and procedures.
• Follow federal and state laws, as well as School Board policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or designee.

• An earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. 
• A minimum of six (6) years, within the last nine (9) years of experience and/or training in the field related to the title of the position or six (6) years of satisfactory experience in the job assignment of Buyer or Purchasing Agent with The School Board of Broward County, Florida. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of requestors and vendors. 
• Knowledge and experience in preparing bid specifications in categories of complex technical materials, supplies and equipment of governmental or school system programs. 
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or equivalent certification from an accredited institution. 
• Computer skills as required for the position. 

• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Purchasing Procurement Officer (CPPO), or equivalent certification from an accredited institution and public school procurement experience.
• SAP experience in Procurement Modules.
• Bilingual skills.

Frequently works with District administrators, planners, principals and department heads to gain information to develop bid specifications and obtain customer feedback for performance improvement; frequently works with outside vendors to negotiate contract terms.

Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently as needed to move objects. 

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the School Board. 

To review the complete job description for this position access the following website: https://www.browardschools.com/Page/36072 and search by Job Code. The Job Code for this position is: DD-078