Purchasing Agent

Under the general direction of the Director of Finance is responsible for managing the centralized purchasing function for the Town and the Board of Education.

1. Develops programs and schedules to be followed in the development of standards, specifications, contracts, procurement procedures, inspections, and quality control.  
2. Plans central purchasing operation to meet supplies, equipment and material needs of Town departments within approved budget limits.   
3. Organizes procedures to receive and process department purchase requests.  
4. Receive and approve purchasing requisitions.  
5. Reviews specifications for suitability, completeness and consistency. 
6. Maintains database of bids and bid waivers reflecting the status of each.  
7. Oversees the preparation of bid proposals and approves recommended awards in conformance with established standards.  
8. Coordinates with department heads short and long range purchasing needs.  
9. Advises department heads on market trends and new technology.  
10. Analyzes and advises on availability and quality of goods, equipment and services.  
11. Negotiates contracts with vendors for purchase of commodities and services.  
12. Coordinates receipt and acceptance of purchases. 
13. Reviews change orders and updates systems to reflect approved change orders.  
14. Maintains inventory of materials and supplies.  
15. Develops department budget.  
16. Provides training to departments on the procurement process and Town requirements.  
17. Prepares narrative and statistical information for the First Selectman, Finance Director and various Town boards upon request. 
18. Receives written and verbal instruction from the Director of Finance.  
19. Prioritizes workload of self in accordance with standard office procedures.  
20. Coordinates purchasing activities with other agencies to effect economies of group buying. 
21. Monitors compliance with CHRO and Davis/Bacon Act requirements for covered construction projects. 
22. Analyzes sales information, conducts surveys and examines equipment and materials.  
23. Organizes, maintains and upgrades automated and manual files systems for purchasing information.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skill and Ability: 

1. Through knowledge of centralized purchasing practice and procedures. 
2. General knowledge of governmental and municipal procurement policies.  
3. Ability to deal effectively and positively with staff members and vendors.  
4. Ability to prepare and negotiate detailed specification of materials, supplies and equipment.  
5. Ability to perform related mathematical computations.   
6. Ability to supervise.  
7. Proficient in the use of data base management programs, spread sheets and word processing programs.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting or some closely related field, four to six years of increasingly responsible purchasing experience, and (3) three years in a supervisory capacity.
 
NOTE:  The above is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.
 
 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THIS EXAMINATION

PARTS                                             WEIGHTS

Experience & Training                               100%

The weight of the examination will be 100% experience and training. The candidates will be ranked based on their experience and training as it relates to the required experience and training for this position based on the information contained in their employment application, the supplemental questionnaire if applicable and any attachments they provide.   This examination will be conducted for the Town of Trumbull by the Trumbull Civil Service Board within the authority of Section 7-413 of the 1959 revision of the State of CT General Statutes.  Please notify the Civil Service office in advance of the examination of any disability which may require special accommodation.  Anyone claiming Veterans' Preference must bring original DD 214 document. 

As an applicant for employment, you are a consumer with rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  As part of the employment process, including for determinations related to initial employment, the Town may obtain from a consumer reporting agency, a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report on you as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. In addition, any offer of employment is subject to the applicant successfully passing a pre-employment drug test and physical. 

Applicants must be citizens of the United States or must present proper authorization to work in the United States by the closing date.

EOE