BUYER

Position Number: 22093715 
County: Pulaski 
Anticipated Starting Salary: $32,404.94 
Finance- Shared Services

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for reviewing purchase requests to determine need for term contracts, develops new contracts and/or prepares history sheet and product specifications, determines appropriate list of bidders for product, and notifies potential bidders. Analyzes and monitors sales records, trends, and economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, and determines inventory needed. Receives and evaluates bids to determine lowest bid and delivery requirements within cost limits, and awards bid. Authorizes payment of invoices or return of merchandise. Interviews and works closely with vendors to obtain and develop desired products. Negotiate prices, discount terms, and transportation arrangements for merchandise. Prepares specifications for Request for Quotation, Request for Proposal, and Request for Qualifications. Examines, selects, orders, and purchases merchandise at most favorable price consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, and other factors. 

Education and Professional Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma; plus, five years of experience in merchandising or a related field, including one year in purchasing.

Preferred Qualification

5 years of experience working with federal grants.

3 years of AASIS experience.

2 years of experience working with program budgets in excess of $20 million dollars.

2 years of experience working in either grants.gov or Grants Solutions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of purchasing principles, procedures, and methods.
• Knowledge of state and university purchasing laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of market conditions and resources in an assigned field.
• Ability to research and draft clear, concise, and competitive purchasing specifications and evaluate product acceptability and/or quality.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations.
• Ability to maintain accurate and systematic procurement records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with purchasing agents/officials, vendors, and manufacturers.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

• Reviews purchase requests
• Negotiate prices, discount terms, and transportation arrangements for merchandise.
• Prepares specifications for Request for Quotation, Request for Proposal, and Request for Qualifications
• Examines, selects, orders, and purchases merchandise at most favorable price consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, and other factors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The mission of the Department of Commerce is to champion economic opportunities through strategic initiatives and an equitable regulatory environment that attracts and grows businesses, safeguards consumers, enhances workforce quality, and energizes our infrastructure, creating a better quality of life for all Arkansans.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.