Buyer

Under immediate supervision, performs technical and administrative work in the procurement of a variety of municipal supplies, materials and equipment, services and occasional construction projects; does related work as required to support procurement team and department staff. This position supports procurement for the City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

• Prepares bid packages for proposed purchases of goods, services or construction. 
• Analyzes purchase order requests for compliance with state laws and local policies.
• Reviews department provided specifications and scopes of work for clarity.
• Hosts pre-bid meetings and ensures that vendors sign in.
• Conducts the opening of public bids. 
• Assist department staff with purchasing policy questions and small dollar purchases or requests for quotes.
• Builds and enhances vendor relationships.
• Solicits bids via email and website advertising.
• Create or modify bid packages.
• Uses requisition and financial management software to issue purchase orders.
• Builds bidder’s lists and expands vendor database.
• May assist in the coordination of public auctions/sales. 
• Uses template agreements to get vendors under contract.
• Maintain records of bids and other documentation in electronic filing system.
• Responds to daily procurement question, bid inquiries, and vendors pursuing business opportunities.

• Education: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma, supplemented by college level course work in procurement, project management, marketing, or business management.
• Two or more years of experience in the procurement of a variety of supplies, materials and equipment or services, preferably for a large organization. Ideal candidate would have two or more years of public sector procurement experience, with construction bidding a plus.
• Expanding knowledge of business methods, markets and purchasing practices.
• General knowledge of the North Carolina state laws relating to public procurement is a plus. 
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage time to meet scheduled bids, deadlines, and competing workload demands.
• General knowledge of various grades and qualities of a variety of materials, supplies and equipment used by the City and County. 
• General knowledge of standard office procedures, practices and equipment. 
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with department staff, vendors, and the general public.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Preferred certification: CLGPO or CPP.  Other valuable certifications: CPPB or CPPO, CSCP.   It is highly desired that this Buyer will obtain certification within 5 years.
• Great customer service is required of this position, as well as being a team player.  This position will be cross trained to perform a variety of tasks to share the workload of the team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Reasonable accommodations may substitute for physical requirements listed.)  Must be able to maneuver consistently within the office area and be able to work with small and large objects; must possess excellent communication skills.  This position will work indoors and may be exposed to repetitive motion/operations and long periods of sitting.

Possession of a North Carolina driver’s license to attend off-site pre-bid meetings and other city or county classes or events.

Salary : $53,617