Purchasing Agent

Hiring range: $27.76 - $35.40/hour (D.O.Q.).

About the role

The City of Fayetteville is recruiting for a Purchasing Agent to perform formal bid process activities involved in establishing complex purchasing, construction, and repair contracts, and ordering of supplies, materials, and equipment. This role oversees the work of the Purchasing Division in the absence of the Purchasing Manager.

Responsibilities

• Review purchase requisitions, verify budget constraints, initiate formal bid processes, and communicate bid solicitations.
• Assist the Purchasing Manager in preparing and conducting formal bids.
• Develop, establish, and monitor adherence to contract administration activities related to established purchasing processes.
• Prepare Requests for Quotations and associated processes as required.
• Coordinate and schedule formal bid processes; facilitate the evaluation process of complex technical bids considering cost, compliance to specifications, terms, and delivery.
• Complete and maintain related documentation of contracts, purchase orders, and associated correspondence.
• Evaluate, monitor, track, and report compliance to oversight agencies; adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations.
• Provide primary purchasing/contract support for Transit and Airport.
• Maintain working knowledge of the financial system as it relates to the procurement process.
• Assume the responsibilities of Deputy Finance Officer as they pertain to the procurement process in the absence of the Purchasing Manager.
• Provide input into division objectives and work plans/programs as appropriate.
• Compile data; prepare and submit accurate and timely reports as assigned; maintain records.
• Respond to customer (internal and/or external) concerns and complaints in a professional and timely manner; refer concerns/complaints to the Purchasing Manager as appropriate.
• Interact with City departments, external agencies, and vendors as necessary.

Requirements

• Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
• Two years of experience in purchasing or a related field.
• Equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited two-year community/technical college with a degree/certification in business, business management, statistics, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer.

Benefits

• Health and Dental Insurance: Comprehensive and affordable health and dental coverage for employees working 30+ hours per week. Coverage extends to eligible dependents, with premiums deducted pre-tax and partially covered by the City. Benefits begin on the 1st day of the month following 30 days of service.
• Employer-Paid Leave:
  • Vacation Leave: Accrued from the first day of employment, based on years of service and scheduled hours.
  • Sick Leave: Accrued from the first day of employment; full-time employees accrue 8 hours per month. Sick leave accumulates without limits and may count toward retirement service credit.
  • Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year (13 if Christmas falls on a Wednesday).
  • Bereavement Leave: 24 hours per year for mourning or attending a funeral/memorial service for a family member.
• Retirement: Participation in the NC Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System. Employees contribute 6% of gross salary on a tax-deferred basis. Membership begins upon employment for those working 20+ hours per week.
• Deferred Compensation Plans: Supplemental retirement savings via NC 401(k) and NC 457 plans (administered by Empower). The City contributes 4% of base salary to eligible employees’ NC 401(k) accounts.
• Cafeteria Plan / Supplemental Benefits: Optional benefits at employee expense, including:
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) – Healthcare and Dependent Care (pre-tax).
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
  • Optional Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance.
• Death Benefit: $3,000 in the first year of retirement system contributions (after benefits eligibility). After one year, the benefit equals the highest 12 months’ salary (min. $25,000, max. $50,000), provided by the NC Retirement System at no cost to the employee.
• Pay Periods / Direct Deposit: Bi-weekly pay (every other Friday). Benefit deductions span 24 pay periods per year. Direct deposit is required for all employees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential guidance on legal, financial, and personal issues for employees and household members at no cost.