Purchasing Agent I

Position SummaryUnder technical and administrative direction, the Purchasing Agent performs comprehensive professional work for complex and/or sensitive procurement activities in the solicitation and contracting functions of the centralized purchasing requirements of the City of South Fulton. This position is responsible for the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services in compliance with all applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations as set forth by the City of South Fulton, and other applicable federal, state, and local agencies. Technical and administrative direction is received from the Director of Purchasing.Essential FunctionsSPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESAdvises and assists employees in developing specifications and purchasing planning.Process purchase requisitions and prepare purchase orders.Obtain and evaluate 1-2 vendor quotes for purchase under $5,000.00.Verify vendor status in the Georgia Vendor Registry.Maintain procurement documentation for compliance and audit purposes.Assist with vendor registration and database maintenance.Communicate with internal departments to clarify purchasing needs.Support formal bid activities and contract document management.Ensures all purchasing activities are in compliance with City of South Fulton rules, regulations, and policy, and all applicable state and federal laws.Ensures all deadlines and conditions described on contracts are met.Performs other duties as assigned.MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAININGAssociate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university; plus two years of experience in a purchasing environment; OR Four years of experience in a purchasing environment. An equivalent combination of education and job specific experience that provided the knowledge, experience and competencies required to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted on a year-over-year basis.Never been convicted of a felony.Must meet the City’s background requirements.Work evenings, weekends and/or holidays as required.Certification/LicenseCertification in the purchasing profession by a national purchasing organization, or equivalent recognition authority preferredMinimum Qualifications And Standards RequiredBusiness practices related to purchasing.Laws, policies, and procedures governing public procurement.Basic principles of accounting, budgeting, and statistics as they relate to purchasing activities.Skilled in Personal computers and common office software and productivity tools, including MS Office, MS Outlook, Adobe Pro, and ERP systems.Knowledge in researching and preparing highly complex specifications, solicitations, and contract documents.Ability to source out the appropriate suppliers to support the delivery of services and equipment, develop new supply sources and analyze supplier responses and quotes.Ability to lead and facilitate supplier selections to achieve favorable terms on quality, delivery, and price, ensure end-user needs are met and deliver substantial cost savings consistently.Ability to create and maintain complex spreadsheets.Ability to develop effective and cooperative working relationships with employees and suppliers.Ability to coordinate, manage, problem solve, strategize, schedule, analyze, and plan.Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including the ability to convey complex and technical subjects in a clear, concise, and positive manner.Ability to successfully deal with all persons in a fair and equitable manner.Proven ability to work under pressure.Able to attain the integrity of the public procurement process.Must possess complete integrity and a high sense of personal and professional ethics.Physical RequirementsThis position classifies the physical exertion requirements as light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require that ability to communicate orally.Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.