Purchasing Agent I - City of South Fulton : Job Details

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Under technical and administrative direction, the Purchasing Agent performs comprehensive professional work for complex and/or sensitive procurement activities in the solicitation and contracting functions of the centralized purchasing requirements of the City of South Fulton. This position is responsible for the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services in compliance with all applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations as set forth by the City of South Fulton, and other applicable federal, state, and local agencies. Technical and administrative direction is received from the Director of Purchasing. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Essential Functions:

• Advises and assists employees in the development of specifications and planning for purchasing.
• Determines the method for solicitations, the contract type to be employed, and the method for evaluation of bids or proposals.
• Prepares solicitations, including Invitation for Bid (IFB), Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Qualification (RFQual), Request for Quote (RFQ), based on understanding of the market, technical requirements, and needs of the department/City.
• Employs various techniques such as price and cost analysis, evaluation of technical capability, and evaluation of business stability to determine appropriate contract award.
• Ensures all purchasing activities are in compliance with City of South Fulton rules, regulations and policy, and all applicable state and federal laws.
• Ensures all deadlines and conditions described on contracts are met.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university; plus two years of experience in a purchasing environment; OR Four years of experience in a purchasing environment.
• An equivalent combination of education and job specific experience that provided the knowledge, experience and competencies required to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted on a year-over-year basis.
• Never been convicted of a felony.
• Must meet the City's background requirements.
• Work evenings, weekends and/or holidays as required.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• Certification in the purchasing profession by a national purchasing organization, or equivalent recognition authority preferred

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED

• Business practices related to purchasing.
• Laws, policies, and procedures governing public procurement.
• Basic principles of accounting, budgeting, and statistics as they relate to purchasing activities.
• Skilled in Personal computers and common office software and productivity tools including MS Office, MS Outlook, Adobe Pro, and ERP systems.
• Knowledge in researching and preparing highly complex specifications, solicitations, and contract documents.
• Ability to source out the appropriate suppliers to support the delivery of services and equipment, develop new supply sources and analyze supplier responses and quotes.
• Ability to lead and facilitate supplier selections to achieve favorable terms on quality, delivery, and price, ensure end-user needs are met and deliver substantial cost savings on a consistent basis.
• Ability to create and maintain complex spreadsheets.

• Ability to develop effective and cooperative working relationships with employees and suppliers.
• Ability to coordinate, manage, problem solve, strategize, schedule, analyze, and plan.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including the ability to convey complex and technical subjects in a clear, concise, and positive manner.
• Ability to successfully deal with all persons in a fair and equitable manner.
• Proven ability to work under pressure.
• Able to attain the integrity of the public procurement process.
• Must possess complete integrity and a high sense of personal and professional ethics.

Physical Requirements: This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require that ability to communicate orally. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.