Senior Buyer - Procurement

PROCUREMENT DIVISIONSENIOR BUYERPay Range: ($45,635.20 - $66,164.80) paygrade 13 ExemptLocation: 330 West Church Street, Bartow FL 33830Employee BenefitsDirect Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay ChecksMedical, Dental, VisionLife InsuranceFRS Retirement10 Paid HolidaysPaid Time OffTuition ReimbursementEducation IncentivesDeferred Compensation PlanWellness IncentivesEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Free Employee GymFree Employee Health ClinicMust have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:MAJOR FUNCTIONLeads complex procurement efforts for goods and services across County departments. Develops and coordinates competitive solicitations, ensures compliance with procurement policy and state regulations, and delivers responsive, high-quality procurement services that support County operations.ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES Solicitation and Contract PreparationReviews scopes of work, technical specifications, and special conditions submitted by departments.Drafts and issues Invitations for Bid (IFBs), piggyback agreements, and related solicitation documents for commodities, services, and demolition projects.Conduct pre-bid meetings and vendor communications to clarify procurement requirements.Procurement Evaluation and AwardAnalyzes bids and quotes to identify responsive and responsible vendors.Prepares award recommendations and supporting documentation for supervisor review.Finalizes procurement actions in accordance with policy thresholds and division standards.Compliance and System ManagementReviews and approves small purchases and commodity piggybacks for all divisions.Monitors small purchase reporting to ensure compliance with spend limits.Maintains accurate bid and contract records using the County's contract management system (e.g., Novatus).Serves as the P-card administrator, ensuring adherence to usage policies and reconciliation requirements.Training and Support* Conducts procurement training for County staff to promote consistency and compliance.* Serves as a liaison to departments, divisions, and vendors for procurement-related questions and guidance.Additional Duties* Performs other related duties as required to support procurement operations and ensure service continuity.KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLSDrafts clear and compliant bid documents and solicitation materials.Interprets procurement policies, procedures, and legal requirements.Analyzes vendor responses and makes data-informed award recommendations.Delivers formal and informal training to employees on purchasing procedures.Maintains accurate records using procurement systems and databases.Communicates effectively across departments and vendor networks.Manages time efficiently and adapts to shifting priorities.Builds collaborative relationships with colleagues, customers, and vendors.Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, and contract management tools to support purchasing activities.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related fieldAt least two (2) years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or contract administration Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to obtain a Florida driver's license upon employmentSPECIAL REQUIREMENTSAll employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.