Senior Buyer
Waukesha County’s Department of Administration - Purchasing/Risk Division is seeking a Senior Buyer to join its team. This position performs advanced level work in the purchasing of products and services on a Countywide basis and assists in the administration of the centralized purchasing program.
The 2023 starting salary range is $63,627 to $73,882 depending on qualifications (full range extends to $84,157) coupled with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, generous paid time off, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, amongst many other benefits, employees are recognized and valued through a pay for performance system.
Employee well-being is promoted through a balanced work-life culture and through an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee's wellness and health, including an on-site health & wellness clinic.
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Prior to hiring, the final candidate is required to pass work/education/certification reference(s) and a criminal background and driver's license check.
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Typical Duties:
- Assists in administering the County's centralized, competitive bid, purchasing program in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and the Wisconsin State Statutes.
- Purchases a wide variety of high volume and complex supplies, equipment, materials, and services; determines the most appropriate method of procurement; and coordinates the procurement process.
- Conducts comprehensive market research on products, vendors, and market conditions to determine effective purchasing strategies, and to develop budget estimates.
- Develops and revises performance based product specifications.
- Conducts multi department and cooperative purchases; drafts combined specifications that meet needs of participants and vendors; conducts multi agency cost analysis; and makes appropriate recommendations.
- Coordinates and works with departments on the request for proposal process for proprietary and professional services including drafting the RFP, developing the scope of service and evaluation criteria; communicating with vendors, evaluating responses, analyzing costs, recommending award, and negotiating contracts
- Drafts and coordinates the distribution of bid documents.
- Tabulates bids and conducts complex cost analyses; evaluates bids for compliance with specifications; and recommends award of bid.
- Conducts negotiations in the administration of purchases; negotiates issues in the development of contracts as directed; and may negotiate the price, terms, and conditions of purchases as necessary.
- Coordinates programs and special projects such as the purchasing web site, disposal and/or reallocation of furniture and equipment, and maintenance of the business continuity plan and software.
- Assigns, reviews, and trains department staff in policies, procedures, and daily work assignments; and provides input to the Manager.
- Assists in the development, implementation, and revision of policies and procedures; and provides technical advice and assistance in the County's purchasing procedures and policies...
- Monitors vendor performance to ensure contract compliance in terms of service level, quality, and cost; and investigates and resolves complaints and problems.
- Coordinates the County's participation in joint cooperative purchasing efforts with other government agencies.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relations with departments, vendors, governmental agencies, the general public, and co workers.
- Prepares and presents complex oral and written reports and represents the division at various meetings and committees.
- Performs other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Essential Knowledge and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to governmental purchasing.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Model Procurement Code, the Uniform Commercial Code, and County ordinances relating to purchasing.
- Comprehensive knowledge of market research methods and tools, including use of the Internet.
- Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of large volume, competitive purchasing.
- Considerable knowledge of contract law.
- Considerable knowledge of automated procurement systems and other data processing capabilities and applications relating to purchasing functions.
- Ability to analyze data, make appropriate recommendations, and resolve problems.
- Ability to devise, test, and compute complex, diverse mathematical formulas for the evaluation of bids and RFP's.
- Ability to plan, organize, and effectively present ideas, concepts, and recommendations, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to negotiate contract terms and conditions, scope of work, and payment schedule with vendors.
- Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
- Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple activities.
- Ability to utilize spreadsheet, word processing, and automated procurement applications.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations.
- Ability to plan, organize, and review the work of others.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to maintain accurate records, and to prepare and present detailed reports.
You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements:
- Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, or a closely related field.
- Two years work experience in a large volume purchasing operation, preferably in the public sector.
- OR
- High School/GED and six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience in a large volume purchasing operation, preferably in the public sector.
Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification is desirable.
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About Us
Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"
Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.
For further information visit: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/