PURCHASING AGENT - CITY OF BRISTOL

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

PURCHASING AGENT

SUMMARY:  The City of Bristol seeks experienced professional to plan, organize, manage and supervise the centralized purchasing for the City. Provides project management oversight.  Serves as the Head of the Purchasing Department.  Plans central purchasing operation to meet supplies, equipment, and material needs of all City departments according to Purchasing Regulations within approved budget limits.  Receives, reviews and processes department purchase requests.  Recommends comparable substitutes; acts to expedite delivery. Edits requisitions, confers with departments, and recommends methods of purchase.  Administers bid process including but not limited to development of specifications, bid announcements, developing detailed formal solicitations, scheduling and carrying out formal bid openings, coordinating proposal evaluations, initiating award actions, and achieving purchase order/contract execution.  Establishes, organizes, maintains and upgrades manual and computerized files and records. Coordinates with department heads on short and long-range purchasing needs. Manages City/vendor relationships; and negotiates contracts with vendors. Manages the procurement card program.  Coordinates purchasing activities with other municipalities and the State of Connecticut to effect economies of group buying.  Analyzes sales information; conducts surveys; and examines equipment and materials.  Administers purchase agreements. Maintains inventory of fixed assets. Prepares complex statistical and narrative reports. Provides assistance to the Water Department, Bristol/Burlington Health District and the Bristol Housing Authority. Prepares departmental budget; trains and supervises clerical staff; administers personnel regulations and collective bargaining agreement for the Department.  Serves as chairman of Review Committees for the acquisition of consulting services by the City. Position appointed by Mayor and City Council.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:  Must have thorough knowledge of purchasing principles and practices; strong analytical, verbal and written communications skills.  Requires the ability to effectively use integrated office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, automated purchasing systems (MUNIS software desired), etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or some closely related field plus five years of increasingly responsible purchasing experience, two of which must be in a supervisory capacity.  Education and experience may be substituted.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:  C.P.M. designation (Certified Purchasing Manager) from National Association of Purchasing Management/Institute of Supply Management, C.P.P.O. (Certified Public Purchasing Officer) or C.P.P.B. (Certified Public Purchasing Buyer) from National Institute of Governmental Purchasing highly desirable 

SCHEDULE & HOURS:  Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Working 37½ hours per week.

BENEFITS include Defined Benefit Pension Plan, generous time off & medical/vision/dental/life insurance package.

SALARY RANGE: $96,733 – and up to $124,391/yr. (dependent upon experience).

COMPLETE ONLINE APPLICATION w/RESUME & COVER LETTER:

DEADLINE:   Open until filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer