Job Description

Purchasing Officer

Finance Department

FLSA: Exempt

Minimum Pay: $20.80/hr

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for managing all purchasing activities for the county.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Prepares purchasing and bid reports to obtain best product at best price; prepares bid specifications and initiates bidding processes; makes recommendations for bid awards.
• Performs cost and product comparisons; establishes and maintains a vendor group that consistently meets performance and reliability standards.
• Receives and reviews purchase requisitions from various departments; issues, distributes, and tracks purchase orders.
• Meets with sales representatives to review products; travels to vendor locations to retrieve items as needed.
• Monitors purchase orders to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment; addresses product complaints.
• Provides purchasing information to departments for budget preparation purposes; assists departments in determining necessary purchases.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs other work as required or when directed by administration.
• In the event of an emergency, all Camden County employees are considered essential and may be required to perform alternate duties.

The above-cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of purchasing and bidding procedures.
• Knowledge of available vendors and current prices.
• Knowledge of federal, state and county purchasing laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of budgeting and accounting practices.
• Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
• Skill in the operation of standard office equipment.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Finance Director assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include relevant county policies and procedures, specifications, contract requirements, and relevant federal and state laws. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied purchasing duties. The variety of goods and services contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to manage county purchasing activities. Successful performance helps ensure the quality and cost-effectiveness of goods and services purchased by the county.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, department heads, other county employees, vendors, contractors, other purchasing professionals, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, negotiate or settle matters, and resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to three years.
• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or equivalent certifications or completion of the CPPB within three years of hire.
• Ability to be bonded.