What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Agent position at Calumet Township Trustee?
JOB TITLE: Purchasing Agent
REPORTS TO: Director of Finance, Calumet Township
LOCATION: Main Calumet Township Office, 610 Connecticut St Gary, Indiana
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time | On-Site
SALARY: Compensation for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience
JOB SUMMARY
The Purchasing Agent leads and manages the Township’s procurement and purchasing processes to ensure goods and services are acquired in a timely, cost-effective, ethical, and compliant manner. The role is responsible for overseeing internal requisitions, supplier sourcing, contract support, and vendor relationship management. This position serves as the central point of coordination for procurement activities across all Township departments, ensuring alignment with Township goals, Indiana Code, and SBOA procurement standards.
The Purchasing Agent also drafts scopes of work, evaluates pricing, prepares recommendations for the Trustee and senior administrative staff, and identifies cost-saving opportunities through market research and data analysis.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Procurement Process Management
- Manages the end-to-end procurement workflow, including requisition intake, review, and validation.
- Ensures purchase requests comply with Township policy, budget availability, and State Board of Accounts procurement requirements.
- Tracks procurement activity and maintains documentation for audit readiness.
- Monitors and prioritizes departmental purchasing needs to ensure transactions are processed in a timely and accurate manner.
Strategic Sourcing & Pricing Analysis
- Research potential suppliers and conduct comparative pricing analysis.
- Prepares evaluation matrix and scoring summaries for supplier quotes and proposals.
- Identifies cost-saving opportunities, favorable contract terms, and strategic purchasing solutions.
- Supports development of informal pricing exercises, and quotes.
Supplier Relationship Management
- Manages supplier onboarding, performance evaluations, and ongoing relationship.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for procurement-related vendor inquiries.
- Conducts periodic supplier reviews and prepares performance reports for leadership.
- Addresses supplier issues, delays, quality concerns, or disputes.
Scope-of-Work & Contract Support
- Drafts scopes of work (SOWs) for goods and services.
- Assists with negotiation of pricing, terms, and renewal schedules.
- Prepares procurement recommendations for the Trustee based on analysis of submissions.
Purchasing Operations
- Creates and processes purchase orders; monitors open POs and delivery schedules.
- Manages routine purchasing of office and maintenance supplies with proper approvals.
- Supports inventory management, tagging of capital assets, and maintaining accurate records.
Reporting & Data Management
- Prepares weekly, monthly, and annual procurement and spend reports.
- Uses spreadsheets and software systems to track purchasing activity.
- Monitors budget utilization and helps departments stay within appropriated spending limits.
- - Other duties as assigned by the Trustee, Chief of Staff or Finance Director.
Required Qualifications
- Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, preferably in a governmental or public-sector environment.
- Knowledge of procurement regulations, competitive purchasing, and vendor evaluation procedures.
- Strong analytical, pricing review, and market research skills.
- Skilled in drafting scopes of work and preparing bid evaluation summaries.
- Ability to communicate effectively with vendors, staff, and leadership.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel required) and procurement/ERP systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with accuracy.
How to Apply: To apply, please e-mail your resume to Sherita Smith, Human Resources Manager, at ssmith@calumettwp-in.gov.