Purchasing Agent I

POSITION TITLE: Purchasing Agent I

REPORTS TO: Director, Procurement & Materials Management

BEGINNING DATE: Open Until Filled

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES REQUIRED:

General knowledge of professional purchasing to include procurement of various equipment and services; knowledge of standard office practices, office equipment and clerical techniques; general knowledge of local government and state contracting purchasing laws and regulations; extensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Adobe Acrobat, internet and AS400 Sunpac software; general knowledge of business English, spelling and arithmetic; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, vendors and the general public; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to operate computer equipment.

EDUCATION, TRAINING REQUIRED:

• High school graduate and/or two years of related purchasing experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 months

SALARY: Salary Grade 59

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for managing all procedural aspects of purchasing activities with significant involvement in the development of internal operating policies consistent with State Law and North Carolina State Purchase and Contract rules and regulations.

• Procurement complexity requires involvement with the procurement of a variety of commodities with limited number of specialized, and/or highly technical items to include IT equipment.

• Responsible for advising management on development of internal policies and procedures.

• Performs work within limits established in general statutes, policies and procedures established by North Carolina State Purchase and Contract, policies and procedures established by the Onslow County Public Schools Board of Education, and internal policies and procedures approved by the Director of Procurement & Materials Management.

• Independently works and handles routine activities and technical problems within area of assignment with limited supervision by the Director of Procurement & Materials Management.

• Direct contribution to efficiency of operations through the procurement of goods and services in a timely manner; indirect impact on the quality of operations.

• Provides information to departments regarding purchasing process, computer updates, pricing information, and purchase requisitions.

• Frequent contact with program managers, various staff and vendors. Contacts primarily for the purpose of receiving and conveying information clarifying specification of goods or services to be purchased, information concerning new products, information clarifying terms of purchase agreements, or communications with vendors concerning problems in the shipment, transport, or receipt of goods.

• Thorough knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures. General knowledge of various grades and qualities of materials or commodities being purchased.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel and vendors; and, to direct the activities of support personnel.

• Ability to apply and interpret established rules and regulations; maintain records of some complexity and to prepare informal and formal bids, reports, department invoices, order forms, vendor number requests, general ledger adjustments, tabulations, bid certifications and purchase orders from these records.

• Updates and maintains vendor list within purchasing computer system; maintains catalogs, manuals and state contract information for ready reference.

• Assists with pre bid meetings; obtains informal quotations for materials; researches prices on various types of tools, equipment, office supplies, etc.; recommends or selects vendor; researches vendors for prices and item availability.

• Assists and prepares correspondence concerning all aspects of purchasing; negotiates with vendors in resolving disputes concerning quality of items or equipment purchased; clarifying specifications on materials.

• Reviews requisitions for completeness, accuracy and adherence to purchasing procedures; processing the requisitions to obtain a final purchase order.

• Authorize payment of invoices, handle billing issues, analyze costs and keep track of funds expended.

• Performs related duties as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to be physically active, which includes, but is not limited to, standing, pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, sitting, walking.

• Ability to reach with hands and arms routinely.

• Ability to operate technology for prolonged periods of time.

• Ability to carry furniture such as tables and chairs, supplies and materials

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds routinely and 30 pounds occasionally.

• Must be able to visually and auditorily effectively communicate with others.

• Must be able to drive to variety of school sites.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.

Onslow County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.

EOE