Principal Buyer

THE AGENCY
The General Services Agency (GSA) is comprised of Fleet Services Facilities Procurement Special Services Parks Security and Business Support and is responsible for a broad spectrum of services to all County departments and agencies. It requires a very diverse workforce to accomplish the GSA mission of contributing to the quality of life in Ventura County by partnering with customers to provide expertise and costeffective service delivery and foster the preservation of natural resources.

THE POSITION

Principal Buyer is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and is eligible for overtime compensation.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Examines and processes highly complex departmental requisitions.
• Directs trains coaches and mentors subordinate purchasing staff.
• Prepares highly complex bid specifications and related purchasing documents.
• Represents GSA and the Purchasing Division in meetings with customers and vendors and negotiates or facilitates settlements of minor disputes or misunderstandings.
• Locates sources of supply and places orders
• Compares costs and evaluates the quality and suitability of supplies materials and equipment.
• Interviews and corresponds with vendors and other product representatives.
• Maintains expertise of market trends and conditions and new services products and vendors.
• Confers with highlevel officials and employees to determine purchasing needs and specifications.
• Resolves sensitive and complex customer service problems.
• Prepares written reports and correspondence and makes oral presentations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned/required.

These are the entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Progressive professional purchasing experience and training in business administration marketing procurement theory and procurement related subjects which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge skills and abilities.

The required knowledge skills and abilities can also be obtained by three (3) years of professional purchasing experience that involved vendor contact and bid or value analysis OR two (2) years of experience as a Buyer with the County of Ventura or comparable.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

• Must possess (by time of hire) and maintain a current valid California Driver License.

DESIRED
Possession of one of the following certifications is highly desirable:

• NIGPCertified Purchasing Professional (NIGPCPP)
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)
• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) or other related certification.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS and ABILITIES
Extensive knowledge of: successful customer service concepts and practices; marketing principles theory and procedures; business mathematics; office procedures and data collection techniques.

Considerable knowledge of: effective directing training coaching and mentoring practices; effective meeting practices; organization of workload techniques; purchasing practices specific products commodities and services.

Ability to: develop and maintain flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities; communicate and establish effective relationships with commercial vendors officials and employees; effectively lead direct train coach and mentor a team of employees; collect read analyze and evaluate data; utilize computer equipment; conduct studies and surveys; make decisions based on judgmental as well as factual criteria; develop a technical knowledge of specific products or services; communicate effectively both orally and in writing and make oral presentations to small and large groups.

Skill in: monitoring and evaluating the work of lowerlevel staff; prioritizing and assigning work; identifying emerging trends needs and services; assessing the consequences and outcomes of services; ensuring compliance with applicable policies procedures laws and regulations.

FINAL FILING DATE

This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore it is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura California no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.