SENIOR BUYER

Senior Buyer

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Senior Buyer to be part of the Finance Department Team! The Finance Department is a dynamic organization whose mission is to protect the City's assets while providing and supporting the Torrance community with sound financial advice in a timely, cost effective and professional manner. Managing the department's $6.5 million General Fund budget, $26.8 million Self-Insurance budget and day-to-day operations are skillfully executed by 39 staff members. The Finance Director assists the City Manager with the Operating and Capital Improvement Plan budgets, serves as advisor to the Land Management Team and Investment Committee, and presents to the City Council an annual audited statement of the City's financial condition prepared in accordance with governmental reporting standards promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

Responsibilities of the Finance Department includes: Accounting, Accounts Payable, Audit-External/Internal, Billing/Collection, Budget-Operating/Capital, Business License, Central Cashiering, Debt Financing, Financial Reporting, Payroll, Purchasing, Revenue, Risk Management, Worker's Compensation.

The City of Torrance Finance Department is seeking a highly skilled professional to provide effective oversight of the Purchasing Unit. Under direction, the Senior Buyer supervises and coordinates purchasing unit activities and operations; assists City departments with procurement needs; and ensures purchasing practices are in compliance with legal, professional standard and the Torrance Municipal Code. The Senior Buyer also trains, develops, and supervises staff and monitors workflow; participates in the development and implementation of goals, policies, and priorities for purchasing activities and operations; partakes in vendor selection with departments; and monitors vendor/supplier performance, maintaining applicable records as required.

For more information about the duties of the position, click here.

Qualification Guidelines

Education and Experience Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills would be acceptable. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration or a related field.
• Four years of increasingly responsible purchasing experience including one year of supervisory and/or lead supervisory experience in a municipal and/or high-volume setting

License and/or Certificate:

• A valid California motor vehicle operator's license of the appropriate class.
• To possess and maintain a certification as a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certificate from the Institute of Supply Management is desirable.

Ideal Candidate Successful candidates will possess the following:

• Considerable knowledge and experience in purchasing processes and contract negotiations and management;
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of administration, organization, budget preparation, personnel management, supervision, training and development, and financial administration;
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and manage complex procurement activities;
• Comprehensive skill in researching and preparing highly complex specifications, solicitations and contract documents;
• Experience interpreting local laws, ordinances, and state and federal procurement regulations concerning contractual agreements between government agencies and private contractors; and
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including the ability to convey complex and technical subjects in a clear, concise and positive manner.
• Knowledge and utilization of an online e-bidding platform to manage public solicitations.

How To Apply & Exam Process

Interested candidates must submit an online application, supplemental questionnaire, and required attachments at The application filing period is open until filled, however first review of applications is those received by Friday August 7, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applicants are received after the first review date, the position could close at any time. Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components: Panel Interview: 100 % (Tentatively Scheduled on Thursday, August 27, 2026)

Special Notes

Visit to find out more information about our community. Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination. The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

City of Torrance Inclusion Statement The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact. The city is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!