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OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → BUYER II

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Buyer II

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Buyer II CODE: 5150 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Buyer II GRADE: 22 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the direction of the division director, performs purchasing duties in direct connection with planning, coordinating, and obtaining instructional materials, supplies, equipment and professional services at competitive prices for the operation of schools and offices. Work of the class involves executing purchase orders in accordance with MCPS procurement policies, formal bid and rfp procedures, and applicable federal/state laws governing the procurement of goods and services. Workers evaluate purchase requests and determine appropriate bid procedures, prepare in conjunction with the requestor, bid specifications, change orders, identification of sources of supply, initiate the preparation of bid documents and notices, administer the evaluation of bids and offers, and recommend awards for board approval. Confers with contractors, vendors, and their representatives discussing materials, equipment, supplies, services, prices; and evaluates and determines under guidance of senior buyers which combination will best suit the school system's needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, software programs; database expertise in Oracle Cloud software programs is preferred. Ability to manage a large volume in an active environment; ability to review and interpret complex evaluation procedures, requiring analysis of life-cycle costs and quantitative analysis skills. Ability to analyze cost proposals in sufficient detail to determine best value for MCPS. Integral team member that helps the Division of Procurement ensure a smooth functioning team to meet MCPS internal and external customer needs. Must be innovative and receptive to change with skills and the ability to organize, plan, and execute work with minimal supervision. Essential to have the skill and ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with individuals at many levels within and outside the school system. Ability to supervise, train and counsel staff in the accomplishment of their duties and responsibilities. Knowledge of the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree required. College course work in business administration, marketing, or a related field. Considerable increasingly responsible experience in the field of procurement and supply chain management. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Must possess or obtain certification as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) within 6 months of eligibility. Requirements to obtain such certification can be reviewed on the UPPCC website. http://www.uppcc.org/certified/newcertelig.aspx
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Occasional overtime, some night work and weekend work may be required. May be required to travel to local sites. Must possess transportation to attend meetings throughout Montgomery County, Washington D.C. and Baltimore Metropolitan area.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. From information submitted by school or office personnel, writes bid and request for proposal solicitations for items or services to be purchased; edits requisitions from these sources; confers with MCPS officials regarding requirements, specifications, quantity, quality and timely delivery of merchandise, and delivery requirements; recommends alternative items to reduce cost or improve delivery time.

2. Prepares bid invitations; solicits and analyzes quotations for new, nonstandard, or specialized items; confers with supplier representatives to insure full understanding of bid requirements and to keep familiar with new or revised products, price changes, and other information that could materially affect the purchasing of items. Maintains maximum competitive structure to insure most reasonable cost; conducts life-cycle cost analysis to determine costs over the life expectancy of products.

3. Evaluates quotations and/or bid submissions to insure specifications are met and to determine the low bidder or best value; may test or assist in testing supplies and equipment offered by suppliers; makes recommendation concerning awarding of contracts, providing background data when recommending other than the low bidder.

4. Administers bid contracts and professional services agreements and handles adjustments with suppliers involving such things as replacements of material not conforming to specifications, cancellation of orders, and insuring receipt of proper credit; prepares correspondence to suppliers to reconcile discrepancies and for other reasons. Assists in reconciling differences between MCPS and vendors.

5. Researches and recommends improvements to the procurement process (e.g., procurement cards, electronic purchasing, web sites, and software). Attends trade association meetings and seminars and may be an active member of related professional associations.

6. Responds to requests, inquiries and complaints in both oral and written form that require a response orally or in a written form requiring a high level of professionalism.

7. Performs related work as required to include the supervision of a Buyer I.
Class Established: 3/68
Date(s) Revised: 1/70, 9/78, 8/83, 5/90, 7/92, 7/93, 10/94, 8/97, 5/01, 7/08, 6/2010, 10/2014, 7/2021, 10/2022, 1/2023
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.