JOB POSTING

WHO MAY APPLY: Open to all qualified internal and external applicants

POSITION: Purchasing Agent DEPARTMENT: Support Services DATE POSTED: July 5, 2016

FLSA STATUS: Exempt GRADE: 119 MINIMUM SALARY: $44,407.76

PURCHASING AGENT

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Responsible for the proper management of purchasing to include the regulation of all applicable purchasing programs required to accomplish the organization’s purchasing needs.

SARA’S EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE:

  • Adheres to SARA policies and procedures
  • Takes advantage of education and training opportunities to expand knowledge of primary duties
  • Demonstrates initiative in performing tasks without prompting
  • Acts as a responsible steward of SARA’s welfare and resources

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK:

  • Manages all solicitation processes including Request for Proposals, Request for Qualifications and Invitations for Bids. Coordinates with all departments to review and create specifications. Reviews and creates bid packets and proposals for advertisement. Oversees evaluation processes of all solicitations.
  • Reviews purchase requests, contracts and change orders for proper documentation, pricing and extensions.
  • Secures price quotations for all departments, in order to reduce overall costs of supplies and services by locating new vendors and entering into strategic long term contracts with vendor, and consolidating buying to take advantage of benefits from economies of scale.
  • Manages the contract management process to ensure compliance and the timely acquisition of goods and services.
  • Communicates with insurance carrier on the addition and deletion of equipment. Files lost, damaged, or stolen property claims with the insurance carrier. Obtains preliminary loss report and verifies facts.
  • Responsible for the management of the River Authority’s vendor database.
  • Responsible for tracking, auditing, inventorying, and managing the River Authority’s fixed assets. Ensures departmental adherence to policies and procedures.
  • Oversees the disposal of excess, unserviceable, or obsolete River Authority property through surplus sales.
  • Responsible for the River Authority’s purchasing card program. Manages monthly reporting requirements.
  • Responsible for the River Authority’s cell phone program.
  • Responsible for the issuing and maintaining of River Authority’sfuel cards.
  • Responsible for the SARA Store, including inventorying, purchasing, and selling to River Authority employees.
  • Provides direction and oversight to department staff assisting in purchasing related tasks.
  • Represents the River Authority for South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency board member.
  • All other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: This position does not directly supervise any employees.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: An Undergraduate Degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or relevant discipline and six (6) years progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting, auditing, and financial reporting.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:A thorough knowledge of principles and practices of public purchasing, contracting, and procurement; skill in negotiating agreements, which accommodate conflicting interests and viewpoints; the ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints; and the ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to the Board and others is required.

LANGUAGE AND REASONING SKILLS:Ability to understand written or oral instructions; read, analyze and interpret documents, instruction manuals, policies, and procedures is essential. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, agency representatives, civic groups, employees, and members of the general public. Must have experience in successfully directing, coordinating, and supervising the accomplishment of tasks by others. Must have excellent technical writing and report preparation skills. The ability to work effectively and efficiently, under sometimes stressful conditions, to ensure deadlines are met is essential. The ability to apply critical thinking using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, and approaches to problems; the ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints; and the ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to the Board and others is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is largely sedentary; must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time and intermittently walk, climb, balance, bend, crouch, and reach while performing office duties. Regularly and safely lifts, carries, and handles supplies and equipment weighing at least 20 pounds. Occasionally lifts and carries up to 30 pounds approximately 15 feet.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is typically performed in a well-lit and adequately heated and ventilated office environment and requires observance of safe work practices, fire regulations, and avoidance of falls, trips, and similar office work hazards. Works outdoors occasionally, sometimes in adverse weather, and is exposed to such typical hazards of outdoor work as poison ivy, wasps, snakes, and other natural and mechanical hazards. The stress level for this position is moderate and the workload often requires this position to work non-traditional hours to ensure deadlines are met in a timely manner. Must be able to perform in a small but highly professional team oriented environment.Must be able to function in a principle based organization that has a culture built on character and SARA Core Values of Stewardship, Integrity, and Excellence.

Please apply at