Buyer

The purpose and mission of the Purchasing Division of the Office of Finance and Management is responsible for the procurement of goods and services. We oversee the city-county bidding opportunities and vendor registration. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

This position is responsible for conducting all phases of public procurement processes for city and county agencies. Incumbent in this position will review and process agency and division requisitions and contracts. They will also prepare and process all statutory required bids and quotes. Incumbent serves as liaison to agencies, divisions, and vendors to resolve procurement issues. The incumbent in this position actions are controlled by established policies and procedures and state law and councilmanic ordinances. Incumbent will exercise independent judgment and initiative for making decisions in the absence of policy and procedures that control the situation. Position reports to the Manager Procurement.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

• Collaborates with agencies and divisions to determine purchasing needs, requisitions, and change orders
• Develops fundamental specifications for items being purchased, interviews, and corresponds with vendors
• Surveys and evaluates markets for best sources, new sources, market conditions, and trends
• Determines appropriate method of competition as established by procurement state statute, rules, regulations, and policies
• Prepares and issues special procurement purchases, informal quotes, invitations to bid, requests for proposals, and addendums and places them in the appropriate database
• Coordinates, conducts, and attends pre-bid and proposal conferences and quote openings while preparing and evaluating cost scores
• Submits award recommendations to agencies and divisions contact person
• Attends agency and division board meetings when bids are being awarded in case board members have questions about the competitive process
• Completes purchase transaction ensuring purchase orders and contracts are documented for public record
• Creates and processes blanket purchase orders, procures, and negotiates simple service contracts
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Procurement Management, Business Management, or related field of study and three (3) years of related work experience. A combination of education and work experience meeting the minimum requirements may be used in lieu of degree. Considerable knowledge of public procurement laws, ordinances, policies, and other requirements governing public purchasing. Knowledge of approved purchasing methods, supply sources, markets, and price trends. Must understand and can apply accounting practices and procedures as they relate to governmental purchasing. Must have above average skills in Microsoft Office. Skilled at negotiating while demonstrating a high degree of integrity and trust. Ability to multi-task in a challenging environment adapting quickly to change while meeting deadlines. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in written form. Ability to maintain working relationships with agency and division contacts and the vendor community.

Preferred Job Requirements And Qualifications

Master’s degree in Procurement Management, Business Management, or related field of study and one (1) year of related work experience. Considerable knowledge of public procurement laws, ordinances, policies, and other requirements governing public purchasing. Knowledge of approved purchasing methods, supply sources, markets, and price trends. Must understand and can apply accounting practices and procedures as they relate to governmental purchasing. Must have above average skills in Microsoft Office. Skilled at negotiating while demonstrating a high degree of integrity and trust. Ability to multi-task in a demanding environment adapting quickly to change while meeting deadlines. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in written form. Ability to maintain working relationships with agency and division contacts and the vendor community.