Senior Buyer

Position Type: Classified (non-teaching)/Support

Date Posted: 6/26/2023

Location: EDUCATION CENTER

Date Available: July, 2023

POSITION TITLE: Senior Buyer
DEPARTMENT/LOCATION: Business & Financial Services/Procurement
STATUS: Classified - Exempt, Full Time
HOURS OF WORK: Monday-Friday-8 hours per day, 242 days per year

**Must apply on the School District's website**

POSITION SUMMARY: This position is responsible for promoting the most effective use of school district funds in the acquisition of assigned commodities and services. The Senior Buyer evaluates market conditions and trends, plans specific short- and long-range commodity objectives, assists staff in defining needs and developing alternative solutions as required, develops and investigates sources of supply, and issues necessary processes to seek competitive pricing.

This position is extensively involved in establishing and reviewing contracts for goods and services and assists the Assistant Director of Business & Financial Services as a contracting officer and negotiator.

This position is expected to directly procure materials, equipment, supplies and services; develop and investigate sources of supply and manage necessary processes to seek competitive pricing and maximum value; establish and review contracts for goods and services; and provide customer service.

This position is part of the Procurement Department and reports to Assistant Director of Business & Financial Services.

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Depending on the type of request for commodity and/or service, conduct sourcing using various bid processes in accordance with federal and state laws, and Board of Education policies. Ensure commodity or service is procured at the greatest value available to the school district.
• Identify contracting opportunities that are in the District’s best interests and assist with managing complex negotiations and execution of contracts. Review existing contracts for goods and services available to the District and apply where appropriate. Identify existing situations where the creation of a contract would provide additional value to the District. Administer existing contracts via vendor/department follow-up, contract audit, etc.
• Process requisitions to purchase orders. Assure accuracy of orders based on department needs. Confirm vendor receipt of order and follow-up on orders as necessary.
• Exhibit excellent customer service and maintain professional relations with all internal and external clients and vendors.
• In the absence of the Assistant Director of Business & Financial Services the Senior Buyer coordinates activities of other Procurement staff on daily activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related Business field desired
• Five years (minimum) related procurement experience, in a public education setting, preferred
• Professional certification preferred, such as Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB), Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or NIGP-CPP (Certified Procurement Professional).
• Knowledge of business law and Kansas statutes applicable to public education procurements required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal, written and listening communication skills
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, complex projects simultaneously
• High degree of motivation, responsibility and confidentiality
• Demonstrated ability in compiling, organizing, and analyzing data
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced work environment
• Highly collaborative team player
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, etc.)
• Ability to self-initiate areas of opportunity, make recommendations for improvement, and follow up as necessary to achieve desired results

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires the performance of Sedentary work. The position involves regularly requires sitting, walking, and standing; talking and hearing, both in person, by telephone, and other electronic means; use of hands repetitively to handle or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to 25 pounds. The position also requires: written and oral communication skills; ability to work under pressure; effective interpersonal skills; ability to diffuse conflict required; commitment to accuracy; attention to detail required; strong organizational skills; flexibility required; ability to work fluently within various types of software (ERP systems specifically, including function-specific modules).

IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT STATEMENTS
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. The District reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.
The Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity in its programs, activities or employment as required by applicable federal and state laws.

CLEARANCES REQUIRED: Background Clearance, TB Test

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person