Buyer 1

About the role

Performs purchasing work in order to procure goods and services for Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) in accordance with the North Carolina General Statutes and WCPSS procedures. Serves as a liaison between vendors and the organization, maintaining current knowledge of materials and price lists for use when ordering materials, equipment, supplies, etc.

Responsibilities

• Performs all tasks associated with the Purchasing cycle, in support of all schools and departments, for commodities and categories assigned
• Manages the most complex commodities with the Purchasing Department
• This includes Purchase requisition conversion, change orders, amendments, vendor updates, requests for quotes, expediting, problem resolution, tracking and reporting of established metrics (i.e.: savings, Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB)/Minority Business Enterprise (MBE))
• Affords assistance to Purchasing administrators with year-end purchase order close out and inventories
• Participates in discussions/training for Oracle implementation and e-procurement initiatives
• Provides guidance and assistance to school system employees making requests, providing options and determinations for the most beneficial selection
• Establishes market conditions through competitive bidding when appropriate
• Networks and builds strong supplier relationships between WCPSS and vendors
• Reviews all documentation and data to ensure all outcomes are correctly reflected
• Gains expertise in assigned portfolio items for departmental & system-wide training, as required
• Creates and maintains standard and custom reports to track historically valuable information and adherence to established metrics (i.e.: cost savings)
• Performs audits and supplier evaluations, as required
• Performs other duties, as assigned

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel; Google Docs
• Working knowledge of public sector purchasing and procurement principles, practices, and procedures
• Working knowledge of state rules, regulations, and laws regarding purchasing
• Working knowledge of contract formation and execution in support of materials, supplies, and service purchases
• Working knowledge of Enterprise resource systems (i.e.: Oracle)
• Effective problem solving skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback
• Ability to work as a team member
• Ability to work independently and without close supervision
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, external vendors/agencies, and the public

Qualifications

• Associates degree in business or related field
• Two years of experience in making Purchasing decisions for organizations with diverse needs
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered

Skills

• Working knowledge of public sector purchasing and procurement principles, practices, and procedures
• Working knowledge of state rules, regulations, and laws regarding purchasing
• Working knowledge of contract formation and execution in support of materials, supplies, and service purchases
• Working knowledge of Enterprise resource systems (i.e.: Oracle)
• Effective problem solving skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback
• Ability to work as a team member
• Ability to work independently and without close supervision
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, external vendors/agencies, and the public

Benefits

Commensurate with experience

Pay

TBD

Schedule

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings or weekends)