Buyer I/II

Salary: Buyer I: $32.77–$39.12 hourly; Buyer II: $38.08–$45.60 hourly

About the role

We are accepting applications for one full-time Buyer I/II position in Santa Barbara’s General Services Department. We are also establishing an employment list for current and future Buyer I/II vacancies. Candidates may be appointed at the I or II level based on qualifications and department needs.

Buyer I/II is a flexibly staffed series. Buyer I prepares routine contracts, while Buyer II handles more complex and higher-profile contracts with greater independence.

Responsibilities

• Analyze market conditions, trends, and new products; research department requests for supplies, equipment, and services.
• Confer with department representatives to determine needs, arrange product demonstrations, and distribute literature and samples.
• Process requisitions, group purchases for volume discounts, compose and edit specifications, and solicit formal and informal bids.
• Compare and analyze price quotations, evaluate product quality, select vendors, place orders, negotiate and renew contracts, and resolve complaints.
• Maintain procurement data and prepare reports using office automation software.

Requirements

• One year of professional experience in quantity buying for a public agency or large private organization; OR
• One year of experience as a Buyer’s Assistant with Santa Barbara County; OR
• A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to the above.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• A bachelor’s degree in purchasing, supply chain management, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Two or more years of professional experience in quantity buying for a public agency or large private organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• Strong analytical skills to assess problems, develop solutions, and make logical recommendations.
• Project management experience and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including managers, executives, vendors, and regulators.
• Customer service experience and a commitment to professionalism when working with the public.
• Knowledge of supply chain principles, procurement best practices, and environmental/green building standards.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, maintain organized records, and meet critical deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access, as well as experience with computerized data management systems.

Skills

Knowledge of:

• Standard business English and procurement principles, including ethics, bid preparation, competitive bidding, and quality control.
• Data collection techniques for sourcing products and vendors, market research, and contract law.
• Office procedures and automation software (e.g., word processing, database management).

Ability to:

• Conduct studies, analyze data, and make recommendations.
• Prepare and present written or oral reports.
• Learn government contracting practices and principles.
• Perform arithmetic calculations (e.g., interest, discounts, shipping charges) and use common units of measure.
• Maintain effective communication with vendors, management, staff, and co-workers.
• Use personal computers and relevant software.

Additional Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required.

Benefits

The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity.
• Time and service credit toward an advanced vacation accrual rate.