CHIEF PURCHASING AGENT 0349

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class directs and supervises the purchase of supplies and services for a large municipal jurisdiction and makes projections of future requirements within the jurisdiction. The incumbent establishes and maintains policies which engender efficient and economical purchasing procedures. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Directs and supervises buying and clerical personnel engaged in the preparation of specifications and distribution of information to sales representatives and prospective vendors;

Establishes and maintains systems of economical purchasing methods and procedures for large quantities of materials, supplies and equipment;

Determines departmental needs for supplies and equipment by means of conferences and review of purchase requisitions;

Supervises a technical and clerical staff in the compilation of complex statistical reports;

Supervises the preparation of schedules for opening bids and the awarding of orders thereafter;

Signs all major purchase orders, approves long term contracts and approves emergency purchases;

Endeavors to obtain full and open competition on bidding;

Keeps informed of new developments, current market conditions and new products to obtain optimum buying advantage;

Interfaces effectively with the Department of Information Technology in the development and maintenance of procurement software.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of centralized purchasing procedures and of shipping methods and inventory control; comprehensive knowledge of the laws related to public purchases as defined by Municipal Laws in the State of New York; comprehensive knowledge of office management practices and procedures; comprehensive knowledge of budget preparation, administration and audit and control as it relates to purchasing; comprehensive knowledge of data processing procedures related to the development and maintenance of a computerized purchasing system; ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of technical and clerical personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency officials and vendor representatives; ability to establish and negotiate favorable long term technical contracts and specifications; 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 eight (8) years of high level management experience in large-scale purchasing, marketing or buying for a commercial, industrial or governmental enterprise or agency; or,

b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and twelve (12) years of the experience described in (a); or,

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

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive experience as a Principal Purchasing Agent.

R3/1/22

SUFFOLK COUNTY

COMPETITIVE