What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer position at Lancaster County Government?
JOB
The County of Lancaster, South Carolina is seeking a Buyer for the Procurement Department located within the Financial Services Division. We are seeking a highly self-motivated and independent professional who takes initiative and demonstrates strong problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate thrives in an autonomous work environment while maintaining accountability and delivering high-quality resultsThis position is responsible for the procurement of goods and services, as needed, for the effective operation of all county departments. Responsibilities include routine-to moderately complex purchasing activities such as end user sourcing, bid solicitation, purchasing card (P-Card) compliance, inventory controls, and disposition of surplus items This role involves assisting in the preparation, advertising, and addenda of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and quotation solicitations as needed. Acting as a purchasing agent for Lancaster County, the position ensures that all procurement activities align with S.C. State and County Procurement ordinances, departmental guidelines, and grant funding requirements. Responsibilities include performing assigned functions and services to support efficient and effective departmental operations.While the position operates within a general outline of tasks, it allows flexibility to develop individual work methods and practices. Work is periodically reviewed by the supervisor, and the role reports directly to the Procurement Director.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIESThe tasks outlined below reflect the primary responsibilities of this role, although the supervisor may assign additional duties relevant to the work within this classification as needed. Purchasing and Procurement Support: Verify requisitions and assess the propriety of end-user purchase requests.Collect sourcing information, including timelines, target costs, and budget approvals.Assist in preparing requests for proposals (RFPs), invitations for bid (IFBs), and requests for qualifications (RFQs); issue associated solicitations. Solicit qualified vendors to obtain product/service price quotations in compliance with County Procurement policies.Vendor Relations and Evaluation: Receive and analyze quotations, bids, and proposals to identify cost-saving opportunities.Evaluate quotations for best value, considering total cost of ownership.Communicate with vendors to expedite deliverables and resolve scheduling or quality discrepancies.Financial and Inventory Oversight: Verify funding availability for purchase requests across County departments.Monitor purchase orders throughout transaction completion.Monitor and maintain inventory controls for indirect supplies (e.g., maintenance materials, paper, etc.).Assist with the sale or disposal of County surplus items.Administrative Duties: Review invoices and ensure matching vendor information aligns with purchase orders for payment claims.Prepare and maintain various records, reports, and correspondence.Perform general administrative tasks, including data entry, email management, document scanning, and telephone communication.P-Card Management: Responsible for the day-to-day management of the Procurement Card (P-Card) program, including compliance, tracking, recordkeeping, auditing, and cardholder training during all phases of the P-Card lifecycle.Process Optimization: Gather and organize information for sourcing projects, such as timelines, target costs, and budgets.Advertise and maintain project details on the County website and South Carolina Business Opportunities (SCBO) website.Assist Buyer in developing unique processes and contract language to address non-traditional circumstances and conditions.Provide leadership in developing long-term supply contracts to achieve continuous improvement and ensure cost, service, and quality requirements are met.Skills and Qualifications: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Ability to handle stressful conditions, meet critical deadlines, and function efficiently.Comprehensive knowledge of computer applications, including MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Adobe, procurement card software, and other electronic document management systems.Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, and percentages Must possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable driving record for the past three years.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEEducational Requirements: Minimum of an Associate's Degree, vocational technical degree, or education from an accredited college or university, or specialized training equivalent to two (2) years of college education. Emphasis in Procurement/Purchasing, Business Administration, Finance or a closely related field. Special Certifications and Licenses: Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) preferred but not required. Must be willing to work towards certification. Experience Requirements: Minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience. Equivalent combination of education and work experience will be considered. COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTSReasoning Requirements: Perform skilled work involving rules and systems, requiring near-constant problem-solving.Mathematical Requirements: Apply basic algebra, including the use of variables and formulas. Ability to compute discounts and interest rates accurately.Language Requirements: Interpret technical instructions, manuals, and charts to solve problems.Compose routine and specialized reports, forms, and business letters using proper formatting.Communicate effectively using compound sentences, correct grammar, and appropriate word usage.Mental Requirements: Perform specialized technical or professional work with a general understanding of operating policies and procedures.Apply technical or professional principles and administrative methods to solve previously unencountered problems.Maintain focus and concentration to achieve accurate results, occasionally working under periods of unusual pressure.AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REQUIREMENTSLancaster County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.Physical and Dexterity Requirements: Involves primarily sedentary work with occasional walking or standing.Requires the ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis and up to 25 pounds occasionally.Includes routine keyboard operations.Environmental Hazards: The role does not involve exposure to any known environmental hazards.Sensory Requirements: The job requires normal visual acuity, depth perception, and field of vision, hearing, speaking, and color perception.JUDGEMENTS AND DECISIONSResponsible for guiding others and making frequent decisions that impact co-workers and individuals relying on the service or product.Operates in a somewhat fluid environment, adhering to rules and procedures while managing frequent variations from routine tasks.
The County of Lancaster, South Carolina is seeking a Buyer for the Procurement Department located within the Financial Services Division. We are seeking a highly self-motivated and independent professional who takes initiative and demonstrates strong problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate thrives in an autonomous work environment while maintaining accountability and delivering high-quality resultsThis position is responsible for the procurement of goods and services, as needed, for the effective operation of all county departments. Responsibilities include routine-to moderately complex purchasing activities such as end user sourcing, bid solicitation, purchasing card (P-Card) compliance, inventory controls, and disposition of surplus items This role involves assisting in the preparation, advertising, and addenda of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and quotation solicitations as needed. Acting as a purchasing agent for Lancaster County, the position ensures that all procurement activities align with S.C. State and County Procurement ordinances, departmental guidelines, and grant funding requirements. Responsibilities include performing assigned functions and services to support efficient and effective departmental operations.While the position operates within a general outline of tasks, it allows flexibility to develop individual work methods and practices. Work is periodically reviewed by the supervisor, and the role reports directly to the Procurement Director.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIESThe tasks outlined below reflect the primary responsibilities of this role, although the supervisor may assign additional duties relevant to the work within this classification as needed. Purchasing and Procurement Support: Verify requisitions and assess the propriety of end-user purchase requests.Collect sourcing information, including timelines, target costs, and budget approvals.Assist in preparing requests for proposals (RFPs), invitations for bid (IFBs), and requests for qualifications (RFQs); issue associated solicitations. Solicit qualified vendors to obtain product/service price quotations in compliance with County Procurement policies.Vendor Relations and Evaluation: Receive and analyze quotations, bids, and proposals to identify cost-saving opportunities.Evaluate quotations for best value, considering total cost of ownership.Communicate with vendors to expedite deliverables and resolve scheduling or quality discrepancies.Financial and Inventory Oversight: Verify funding availability for purchase requests across County departments.Monitor purchase orders throughout transaction completion.Monitor and maintain inventory controls for indirect supplies (e.g., maintenance materials, paper, etc.).Assist with the sale or disposal of County surplus items.Administrative Duties: Review invoices and ensure matching vendor information aligns with purchase orders for payment claims.Prepare and maintain various records, reports, and correspondence.Perform general administrative tasks, including data entry, email management, document scanning, and telephone communication.P-Card Management: Responsible for the day-to-day management of the Procurement Card (P-Card) program, including compliance, tracking, recordkeeping, auditing, and cardholder training during all phases of the P-Card lifecycle.Process Optimization: Gather and organize information for sourcing projects, such as timelines, target costs, and budgets.Advertise and maintain project details on the County website and South Carolina Business Opportunities (SCBO) website.Assist Buyer in developing unique processes and contract language to address non-traditional circumstances and conditions.Provide leadership in developing long-term supply contracts to achieve continuous improvement and ensure cost, service, and quality requirements are met.Skills and Qualifications: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Ability to handle stressful conditions, meet critical deadlines, and function efficiently.Comprehensive knowledge of computer applications, including MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Adobe, procurement card software, and other electronic document management systems.Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, and percentages Must possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable driving record for the past three years.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEEducational Requirements: Minimum of an Associate's Degree, vocational technical degree, or education from an accredited college or university, or specialized training equivalent to two (2) years of college education. Emphasis in Procurement/Purchasing, Business Administration, Finance or a closely related field. Special Certifications and Licenses: Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) preferred but not required. Must be willing to work towards certification. Experience Requirements: Minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience. Equivalent combination of education and work experience will be considered. COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTSReasoning Requirements: Perform skilled work involving rules and systems, requiring near-constant problem-solving.Mathematical Requirements: Apply basic algebra, including the use of variables and formulas. Ability to compute discounts and interest rates accurately.Language Requirements: Interpret technical instructions, manuals, and charts to solve problems.Compose routine and specialized reports, forms, and business letters using proper formatting.Communicate effectively using compound sentences, correct grammar, and appropriate word usage.Mental Requirements: Perform specialized technical or professional work with a general understanding of operating policies and procedures.Apply technical or professional principles and administrative methods to solve previously unencountered problems.Maintain focus and concentration to achieve accurate results, occasionally working under periods of unusual pressure.AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REQUIREMENTSLancaster County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.Physical and Dexterity Requirements: Involves primarily sedentary work with occasional walking or standing.Requires the ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis and up to 25 pounds occasionally.Includes routine keyboard operations.Environmental Hazards: The role does not involve exposure to any known environmental hazards.Sensory Requirements: The job requires normal visual acuity, depth perception, and field of vision, hearing, speaking, and color perception.JUDGEMENTS AND DECISIONSResponsible for guiding others and making frequent decisions that impact co-workers and individuals relying on the service or product.Operates in a somewhat fluid environment, adhering to rules and procedures while managing frequent variations from routine tasks.
