Purchasing Analyst/Buyer

Position Description 

Essential Duties and Tasks 

The Purchasing Analyst/Buyer performs professional and technical duties related to the procurement of supplies, materials, equipment, and services for the City of Taylor. This position supports departments in navigating procurement policies and procedures, assists with solicitation development, and interfaces with vendors regarding pricing, terms, and compliance. This is an entry level professional role that works under general supervision while developing proficiency in municipal purchasing operations. 

Duties may include, but are not limited to: 

• Prepare, publish, and administer solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, IFBs) in collaboration with departments; ensure technical specifications meet City standards and procurement regulations. 

• Receive, open, evaluate, and award bids; prepare vendor notifications and draft City Council agenda items. 

• Review purchase requests for accuracy and compliance; coordinate vendor setup with Finance; draft purchase orders, service agreements, and supporting documentation. 

• Resolve procurement related issues with departments and vendors; process change orders and contract amendments. 

• Manage annual open purchase orders, contracts, and agreements, coordinate adjustments and renewals. 

• Administer the City’s purchasing card (PCard) program, including card issuance, credit limits, fraud alerts, and compliance monitoring. 

• Recommend improvements to procurement policies, procedures, and internal workflows. 

• Maintain positive and professional working relationships with City staff, vendors, and the public. 

• Administer web-based procurement and rebidding systems; publish addenda and meeting summaries from Prebid and preproposal conferences. 

• Oversee office supply contracts and monitor vendor performance and service levels. 

• Provide backup support to Accounts Payable as needed. 

• Participate in strategic purchasing activities, including obtaining quotes, evaluating cooperative purchasing options, and conducting vendor performance reviews. 

• Maintain supplier relationships and assist with vendor outreach and engagement. 

• Prepare cost analyses, budget support documents, procurement reports, and audit ready records. 

• Assist with surplus property disposition, including documentation, disposal coordination, and vendor communication. 

• Serve as a liaison for delivery schedules, substitutions, product availability, and vendor issue resolution. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

REQUIREMENTS 

Job Related Skills: 

Ability to: 

• Learn and apply City procurement policies, procedures, and basic accounting principles. 

• Analyze technical, financial, and numerical data. 

• Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing. 

• Evaluate product quality, pricing, and vendor proposals. 

• Use office equipment and software applications effectively, including procurement and financial systems. 

• Plan, prioritize, and organize workload to meet deadlines. 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, and the public. 

• Perform light physical tasks (e.g., lifting up to 20 lbs. extended desk work). 

• Apply business writing, grammar, and report preparation skills. 

• Demonstrate strong customer service and problem-solving abilities. 

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Lift, handle, and carry materials, equipment, and supplies as necessary  

• Coordination necessary to operate computers and office equipment with pushbuttons and/or touch screens. 

Communication Skills: 

• Read and interpret documents 

• Read a diverse amount of printed and computer material 

• Communicate effectively and listen attentively  

• Project voice when presenting at large group events 

• Write routine reports and correspondence 

• Speak tactfully and effectively before residents, staff, and elected officials, in one-on-one situations and small or large group settings 

• Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public 

• Ability to follow written and verbal communications 

• Exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality 

• Ability to balance multiple projects 

• Possess strong leadership and motivational skills 

 

Interpersonal Skills: 

• High sense of integrity and ethics 

• Punctual, reliable, and dependable 

• Trustworthy 

• Possess a desire for continuous improvement 

• Ability to accept performance feedback 

• Goal and deadline oriented 

• Ability to adapt to change 

• Detail oriented 

• Service focused 

• Team-oriented 

 

Reasoning Ability: 

• Remain calm in a demanding environment, assisting a diverse blend of people. 

• Solve practical problems in a variety of situations  

• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form 

General Requirements and/or Disclaimers 

• Required: Minimum of 2 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, finance, or a related field. 

• Preferred: 4 years of procurement experience, preferably in a public-sector environment. 

 

Qualifications 

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent. 

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. 

 

Hours of Employment 

Normal hours of employment are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Schedule will be modified by the Mayor’s Office due to department operations as needed.   

 

Compensation 

Salary to commensurate in the range of $45K - $50K according to candidate’s skills and experience level. The Purchasing Analyst/Buyer position is covered by the labor agreement between the City of Taylor and the Taylor Governmental Management and Administrative Employees Association.  The position offers an attractive benefit package that includes medical insurance, dental coverage, vision coverage, life insurance, short-term disability, paid time off, holiday pay, Taylor Recreation Center membership, ability to apply for tuition reimbursement, and participation in the City’s Defined Contribution Plan.  

 

HOW TO APPLY: 

Internal Candidates 

Interested internal candidates should complete the internal candidate application accompanied by their resume and a letter of interest through their Employee Self-Service account in PAYCOM under Job Opportunities or through the internal posting through the City’s website.  

   

External Candidates 

Interested external candidates should complete the external candidate application at www.cityoftaylor.com/jobs accompanied by their resume and a letter of interest by end of business on Monday April 20, 2026.  Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted regarding the next steps in the application process. 

 

The City of Taylor is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of such factors as race, color, age, sex, national origin, religion, citizenship, handicap, height, weight and marital status. Under the State Persons with Disabilities Act and the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act, an employer has a legal obligation to accommodate an employee’s or job applicant’s disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the employer. A person with a disability may allege a violation against an employer regarding a failure to accommodate his or her condition under Michigan law only if the person notifies the employer in writing of the need for accommodation within 182 days after the date the person knew or reasonably should have known that an accommodation was needed. 

 

Salary : $45,000 - $50,000