Buyer Assistant - Purchasing

Key Responsibilities

• Review and adjust all requisitions in assigned area for accuracy, vendor, and price
• Expedite receipt of goods and services
• Apprise customers and/or vendors of order status
• Work with buyer to research and write bid specifications
• Prepare bid documents according to requirements of each bid, change formats as needed, ensure availability of funds and receipt of approval from requisitioners
• Prepare awarded bid for purchase order with distribution lists, special instructions, bond requirements, etc.
• Mail bids according to vendor list and research new vendors
• Attend bid openings, tabulate and prepare for Governing Board approval
• Cover site walk-through; perform vendor visits, communicate with sales representatives and District personnel at all levels
• Conduct regular and on-time attendance
• Adhere to District and State purchasing policies, legality and conformance with District standards
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Affords assistance with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment

Required Qualifications

• Ace’s degree in business
• Two years’ experience in business or purchasing

Skills & Competencies

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Works well with diverse groups of people; good verbal and written communication skills
• Organizes, prioritizes and meets deadlines with minimum supervision
• Authors bid/quotation specifications and analyzes results
• Researches unfamiliar products and services
• Proficient in using basic software applications (Word, Excel, etc)
• Moderately proficient in typing, with good accuracy; above average test battery; high math aptitude

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Most work is done at a desk using a computer, phone, and office equipment
• Regular interaction with purchasing managers, vendors, school staff, and administrators
• Deadlines and multiple purchase requests require strong organizational skills
• May visit schools, warehouses, or vendors to inspect goods and ensure contract compliance
• Majority of work involves sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasionally lifts boxes of supplies, office materials, or small equipment (typically under 25 lbs)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.