Purchasing Agent

SALARY

JOB SUMMARY

• Communicate with the public (vendors) and other city employees to answer questions and/or gather information regarding service, pricing, delivery, invoicing, etc.
• Review specifications, perform research and prepare bid documents for items prescribed by State statutes, conduct bid openings, evaluate responses, and prepare written recommendations for award by City Council.
• Access, input and retrieve information from the financial system.
• Fairly administer contracts and resolve areas of dispute and disagreement with departments and vendors related to specification development, product requirements, delivery, invoicing, etc.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct training in concise, logical order to all levels of personnel within the city.
• Prepare requests for quotation, issue purchase orders to vendors and investigate and research procurement related issues.
• Prepare special reports and/or other related duties as needed or directed.
• Support a team environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of state statutes, local government codes, municipal ordinances, policies and procedures regarding purchases of supplies, equipment and contracting for services.
• Knowledge of price quotations systems and discounting procedures.
• Knowledge of local vendors, products, services and local marketing trends.
• Skill in writing specifications for the purchase of equipment, materials and supplies.
• Skill in identifying potential vendor sources and reasonable prices for a variety of equipment, materials and supplies.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to obtain information from city personnel, to negotiate purchases or contracts and resolve problems with vendors.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication.
• Ability to analyze, research and investigate information and data.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including but not limited to PC, keyboard, CRT, calculator and telephone.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including, but not limited to performing data entry, sorting and writing.
• Knowledge of office and administrative practices and procedures.
• Skill in using PC Software including current Microsoft Office Suite of applications.
• Skill in communicating professionally and tactfully with other city employees and the public by oral and written means.
• Skill with organization and attention to detail.

• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment utilizing knowledge of the organization's policies.
• Ability to work independently under general instructions.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including but not limited to filing, pulling, seeing, sorting, squatting, standing, stooping, twisting body, typing, walking, and writing.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including but not limited to PC, telephone, calculator, scanner, and copier.
• Ability to prioritize deadlines and tasks.
• Ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.
• Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to accomplish unit objectives.
• Ability to understand mathematical calculations involving fractions, percentages, and decimals.
• Ability to work within a set schedule.

Qualifying Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field.
• Two years experience in purchasing equipment, supplies, materials and services through competitive bidding and preparing specifications,
• or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Preferred Education and Experience:

Employment Screenings Required:

• Criminal background check

City of Arlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.