SENIOR PURCHASING AGENT                                                                          0345

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for the purchase of specialized and technical material and equipment within a central purchasing operation.  Work differs from that of Purchasing Agent in that this class requires knowledge of technical material and equipment and involves more decision making. Supervision may be exercised over purchasing staff members.  Performance is reviewed by an administrative supervisor to ensure conformance to established policies and procedures.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

            Receives and reviews purchase requisitions; notifies divisions or depart­ments of adjustments and explains purchase procedures;

            Reviews and revises purchasing specifications; examines samples submitted to determine compliance with specifications; suggests substitute items when desirable;

            Analyzes market conditions and consults trade journals, catalogues, direc­tories and other technical material with respect to market and price conditions;

            Interviews and corresponds with vendors, business representatives and contractors; develops lists of prospective bidders; obtains competitive bids or quotations from vendors; tabulates and analyzes bids to determine lowest and best bidders; prepares and places purchase orders; maintains files of vendors to whom bids have been sent and records bids;

            May supervise clerical personnel engaged in the preparation of specifica­tions and distribution of information to sales representatives and prospective vendors;

            May supervise Purchasing Agents and advise them on difficult problems as they arise.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of large-scale purchasing methods and procedures, including the writing of specifications for a variety of specialized technical material and equipment; thorough knowledge of County purchasing laws, regula­tions and procedures; thorough knowledge of the sources, prices, market factors and product characteristics applicable to the needs of the County government; good knowledge of elementary bookkeeping methods; ability to keep detailed accurate records; ability to obtain and interpret market prices and trends and to use this information effectively; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, vendors and department officials; ability to supervise in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

            OPEN COMPETITIVE

            Either:

            (a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree, and four (4) years of experience in large-scale purchasing, marketing or buying for a commercial­, industrial or government enterprise or agency; or,

            (b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and eight (8) years of experience in large-scale purchasing, marketing or buying for a commercial, industrial or government enterprise or agency; or,

            (c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

 

            PROMOTIONAL

            One (1) year of permanent competitive status as a Purchasing Agent.

 

 

R3/24/83

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 4/11/19