This is specialized work in the direction and supervision of the City’s central purchasing operation. Responsibilities involve the proper execution of Citywide purchasing activities and the procurement of supplies, materials, and equipment of desired grade and quality at the most favorable prices. Work is performed under general supervision of the Director of Finance, but the employee has considerable latitude for initiative in carrying out purchasing activities. This is a safety-sensitive position.

• Directs and prepares all work programs for the City’s Purchasing Division;
• Assists with and oversees routine and emergency purchasing of materials, goods, and services in support of all City departments;
• Assists other departments with the preparation of bid documents and ensures that all relative content is included and adheres to the City of Alcoa Purchasing Manual and all applicable purchasing laws;
• Determines and designs solicitations, consults vendors, analyzes quotations and bids (or assists department representatives with the same) and recommends lowest and best bid to customer department and City Manager for purchasing materials, supplies, equipment, and services in accordance with the City of Alcoa Purchasing Manual;
• Analyzes purchasing contracts and works closely with the department representative and/or City attorney to ensure purchasing and legal requirements are met;
• Supervises and maintains purchasing information;
• Establishes priorities and responds in a manner to ensure smooth and efficient City operations;
• Reports to works as scheduled and on time.

• OTHER DUTIES PERFORMED

• Performs related works as required;
• Participates on various employee teams as assigned;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in business and experience in purchasing or related field, or a combination of post-secondary education and considerable experience in municipal operations including purchasing functions, evaluation of bids and contracts, etc. and other related administrative tasks.

• Considerable knowledge of computer applications relative to purchasing and warehousing functions;
• Considerable knowledge of State and Federal purchasing rules and regulations;
• Considerable knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures, including buying, inspection and shipping methods;
• General knowledge of various grades, qualities and varieties of materials, supplies and equipment common to municipal government;
• Ability to analyze bids and make recommendations impartially and objectively;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with other employees, City officials, vendors, supply outlets, the public and other government agencies;
• Considerable knowledge of distributors;
• Ability to train and/or certify in purchasing functions and other areas identified by the Department Director;
• Working knowledge of issues related to E-Commerce;
• General knowledge of Internet Purchasing regulations;
• General knowledge of cooperative purchasing;
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written communications;
• Ability to respond to verbal inquiries from management, staff, customers;
• Ability to effectively present information verbally and/or in writing;
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions;
• Ability to learn new procedures and to apply the same to a variety of tasks;
• Ability to design and direct work independently based upon minimal strategic instruction;

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Tennessee;
• Certified Professional Buyer or equivalent or the ability to obtain the same within 12 months of employment.