This is the advanced level in the series for positions that procure supplies, equipment and services for an agency or educational institution. Positions in this class procure a variety of high dollar commodities that include technical or research equipment and supplies, and various contracts including professional and non-professional services. This class is distinguished from the Buyer Specialist by the increased complexity of supplies and equipment purchased, the procurement of volume commodities, the establishment of a variety of contracts including services, and the authority to approve high dollar procurements within established limits. This class is distinguished from the Buyer Manager by the fact that the Buyer Manager is responsible for managing various activities associated with the procurement program of the largest and most complex agencies and educational institutions.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty in the procurement of a variety of high dollar commodities, establishment and maintenance of contracts, and the procurement of services, using all purchase methods. Reviews and approves high dollar procurements when sole source or emergency procurement is requested. Reviews and analyzes competitive bids. Determines appropriate method of competitive process. Develops recommendations to approve/disapprove off-contract purchases and other exceptions to policy. Conducts pre-specification, pre-bid, pre-proposal and post-award conferences. Reviews requisitions in order to determine method of procurement: state contract, agency contract, bid sealed or unsealed, sole source, negotiated procurement or telephone quote. Based upon review and analysis may assign requisitions to Buyer Specialists or Buyers. Develops various sources of supply through vendor visits, bid applications or analysis of market conditions. Investigates and resolves non-routine or complex problems related to procurement, policy interpretation, contract administration and vendor performance. Reviews, analyzes and competitively bids requests for services. Develops and maintains various types of contracts.

Supervision Given: Provides supervision to Buyer Specialists, Buyers and/or clerical personnel.

Supervision Received: Directions are received from a Buyer Manager or higher level materiel management position.

Scope: Accuracy and expediency in the procurement of high dollar and volume commodities and various contracts to include those for professional and non-professional services affects agency-wide operations.

Impact of Actions: Significant costs in time, money and resulting affect on agency operations may be directly related to the procurement of high dollar and high volume commodities. Establishment and maintenance of various contracts and in particular, service contracts, have agency-wide impact.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contacts with agency personnel and agency management regarding procurement requirements. Frequent contacts with vendors, sales and manufacturer representatives.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of procurement or supplies, equipment and services. Considerable knowledge of the policies and procedures contained in the Division of Purchases and Supply "Agency Procurement and Surplus Property Manual." Considerable knowledge of contract purchases and the procurement of services.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to procure high dollar and high volume commodities including technical and/or research equipment and services. Demonstrated ability to supervise the work of others. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures, demonstrated ability to advise and assist agency management in procurement activities.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from a college or university with major course work in business administration or related curriculum.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in procurement of supplies, equipment an services. Experience in developing and maintaining various contracts including those for professional and non-professional services.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this training and experience.

This class was established as a result of the statewide study of procurement related positions that was effective July 1, 1987. This class replaced the class Buyer C.