Buyer II

Under the supervision of the Purchasing Agent, the Purchasing Buyer initiates, coordinates, and participates in the acquisition of specialized contractual arrangements between Blount County Government and selected suppliers to ensure procurement of high-quality merchandise and services at optimum prices, while complying with local, state, and federal laws, policies, and procedures. Considerable independent judgment is required to carry out assigned duties. The Buyer will perform professional and administrative duties in the process of acquiring goods and services for Blount County Government.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Share responsibility for the competitive bidding process. This process includes formulating and preparing invitations for Bids and Requests for Proposals for all types of contracts;

Prepare requests and specifications for competitive sealed bids and requests for proposals and/or qualifications to ensure compliance with the County’s bid thresholds;

Prepare contract documentation after award to complete full bid process;

Process purchase requisitions and ensure compliance with all applicable laws both state and Federal, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures;

Provide a variety of administrative responsibilities relating to the purchasing of supplies, materials, equipment, and contractual services for agencies, offices, and departments of Blount County;

Maintain bid and contract documentation for all competitive bids/proposals;

Research specifications for accuracy and any competition restrictions;

Review state contracts and cooperative purchasing agreements for possible sources, including performing market research and/or product research as needed;

Interface with department heads and vendors concerning specifications, products, services, bids or proposals, vendor capacity, vendor performance, compliance, and delivery;

Conduct and/or attend pre-bid meetings required in the bidding process;

Document questions and discussions held during the pre-bid for the bid file;

Negotiate contract pricing and term bid renewals;

Evaluate bids and proposals to determine Best Value;

Evaluate proposal responses offered, pricing data, scope of services, and contract terms;

Prepare evaluation reports with award recommendations for the Purchasing Agent and the associated Department Head requesting an award;

Ensure contract documents are maintained with Blount County Procurement regulations, including contract extensions, renewals, and modifications;

Schedule vendor appointments and interviews as necessary;

Update and maintain vendor information for bids and/or proposals in the online bidding system and the financial system;

Remain abreast of developments in the purchasing field by attending meetings, seminars, and workshops; and review professional journals and periodicals;

Prepare and/or process purchase orders;

Serve on in-house committees and cross functional teams;

Coordinate meetings with the provider to observe new technology, or other discussions as needed;

Assist Departments with budgetary projections for goods and services as requested;

Current Notary Public or ability to acquire;

Perform other assigned duties.

It is mandatory for Purchasing Buyer II to:

Maintain a professional demeanor and an orientation towards customer service;

Successfully work in a dynamic environment that requires adaptation to changing goals, priorities, and needs;

Organize, and effectively communicate orally and in writing;

Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems;

Maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others;

Productively work independently or as a part of a team;

Bolster and sustain a professional demeanor with vendors, colleagues, department heads, elected officials, and other agencies, including calm, kind, and effective communications.

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