Location: Lancaster,PA, USA
Discover a rewarding career with us!
Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage, a pension plan, flexible spending accounts and even a tuition reimbursement program.
At Lancaster County, we understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer paid time off for sick, vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and family medical leave.
If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!
JOB SUMMARY
The Buyer I will perform purchasing and administrative duties within the Purchasing Department providing support to one or more Buyer II or III positions involving: requisitions and purchase order processing; small & informal purchases with purchasing card; document preparation, including complex solicitations and contract correspondence; contract management; files management; office management; data entry into PeopleSoft Purchasing System; and perform other duties as assigned.
This position is deemed essential and may be required to work during inclement weather, natural disaster, other emergency situations and/or when the County offices are officially closed due to inclement weather, natural disaster, other emergency situations. This position may be required to work off of its normal shift and may be required to work an 'on-call' schedule.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Buyer I will report directly to the Deputy Director of Purchasing.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Manage daily operations of the Purchasing Office to prevent and/or resolve operational issues.
Contribute to establishment of standards and procedures for administering the Purchasing Office.
Research product and pricing needs as directed by assigned Senior Buyer.
Make small and informal purchases with purchasing card, including travel arrangements.
Create maintain and manage both manual and automated purchasing files.
Serve as a liaison with a select number of assigned County departments.
Provide administrative support for preparation of competitive bids or negotiations of contracts.
Place bid advertisements in local newspapers of record and online sources.
Assist in administering awarded commodity contracts (including but not limited to office supplies, cell phones, copiers, vehicles, fleet fuel cards, EZ pass).
Preparation of analytical reports and invoices.
Provide technical assistance to County user personnel of the automated purchasing system.
Assist County personnel to resolve purchasing related problems.
Resolve any pricing discrepancies on Purchase Orders with Controller's office.
Advise the Director and/or Deputy Director of Purchasing of any issues affecting the County or the County departments.
Participate where assigned by the Director on commitees or special projects.
Develop a working knowledge of contracts available for County procurement.
Perform other duties, tasks and special projects as required.
OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES
Assist with mailroom operations, as needed.
Perform all other duties, tasks, and special projects related to position as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of a standard high school course supplemented with experience in a purchasing environment or high school or college courses in business, finance, marketing, accounting, logistics, transportation or related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, experience, skills and abilities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Strong professional ethics.
General knowledge and understanding of the procurement process.
Ability to follow office protocols and County procurement code.
Ability to handle and resolve problems in a timely manner.
Ability to work independantly and remain focused on task.
Strong organizational skills.
Accurate and detail oriented.
Able to carry tasks to completion.
Ability to multi-task and revise priorities, based on changing deadlines and demands.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, familiar with spreadsheets.
Discretion in the handling of confidential information.
REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES
Pre-Employment Background and Reference Check
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk and talk and listen. Occassionally the employee will be required to travel by car to other county locations for meetings. Occassionally the employee will need to lift 50 lbs or less. This is mainly a desk position using a computer and phone to communicate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here.
Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.