Purchasing Officer

General Description

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

Lake County is seeking a Purchasing Officer in the Finance Department. The general function of the position within the organization is to assist with the procurement of a wide variety of materials, supplies, services and equipment for various County departments. This includes handling contract renewals; managing the administration of County-wide contracts; the drafting of specifications for request for quotes, invitation for bids and requests for proposals; and a variety of other responsibilities that support the Purchasing Division.

Essential Functions

• Handle renewal of contracts

• Update website

• Handle correspondence (in person, calls and emails) sent to the department

• Assist with contract administration of County-wide contracts

• Review and develop specifications for materials, supplies, services or equipment to be purchased

• Prepare and analyze competitive formal bids and requests for proposal; solicits and analyzes written or telephone quotations

• Prepare and maintain accurate records and documentation on all purchases, quotations, correspondence and related follow up

• Follow-up on orders previously placed, solving problems such as late delivery, variation from specifications, incorrect pricing, etc

• Interview vendor representatives and salespeople to establish new sources, products and methods of procurement

• Negotiate with vendors regarding specifications, prices and delivery

• All other duties as assigned

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

DATA RESPONSIBILITY: Coordinates or determines time; place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities.

PEOPLE RESPONSIBILITY: Gives information, guidance, or assistance to people or may give instructions or assignments to helpers or assistants.

ASSETS RESPONSIBILITY: Has responsibility and opportunity for achieving major economies and/or preventing major losses through the management of a small division; handling supplies of high value.

MATHEMATICAL REQUIREMENTS: Uses basic algebra involving variables and formulas, basic geometry or computing discounts and interest rates.

COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS: Reads journals, manuals, and charts to solve practical problems such as assembly instructions for tools, routine office equipment operating instructions, and methods and procedures for investigations, and in drawing and layout work; composes routine reports and specialized reports, forms, and business letters, with proper format; speaks compound sentences using normal grammar and word forms.

COMPLEXITY OF WORK: Performs work involving the understanding of rules/systems with constant attention to customer inquiry solving; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Requires an associate's degree with coursework in Business Administration.

• Requires one year of experience in purchasing a wide variety of commodities and services.

• Satisfactory combination of experience and education can be substituted in order to meet requirements.

• Requires knowledge of laws governing public procurement, including applicable rules and regulations; business practices related to purchasing; contract law; structure and organization of County government; principles of government accounting, program budgeting and statistics as they relate to purchasing activities; researching and preparing highly complex specifications, solicitations and contract documents.

Physical Demands

Requires sedentary work involving standing or walking for brief periods, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis; and some dexterity in operating machines, tools, or office equipment.

Supplemental Information

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County! Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).