PURCHASING BUYER III

Purchasing Buyer III

FLSA status: EXEMPT

Pay grade: M-12

Description

The Buyer III performs advanced procurement and contract administration for goods, services, equipment, and supplies across municipal departments, ensuring best value and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. This position independently manages complex, high-dollar, and federally funded procurements; drafts, negotiates, and administers contracts; and exercises discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance for the City.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the procurement process for goods, services, and equipment for multiple municipal departments, ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality, and timely delivery.
• Ensure all solicitations, contracts, and procurement files incorporate applicable federal, state, and grant compliance provisions, including 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance requirements for federally funded procurements.
• Analyze bids, proposals, and quotes; negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions; and make award recommendations in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the drafting, review, administration, and recordkeeping of procurement contracts for assigned departments, ensuring documentation is complete and sufficient to support operational needs, audits, grant monitoring, and compliance reviews.
• Coordinate with program and support staff to reflect funding source requirements in solicitations, contract documents, and contract execution, as applicable.
• Develop and maintain effective vendor relationships; evaluate vendor performance and address issues related to quality, delivery, or contract compliance.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and market research; prepare reports on procurement activities, including cost savings, vendor performance, and contract compliance, to support procurement and contract decisions.
• Serve as a liaison between vendors and municipal departments to resolve issues and support effective service delivery.
• Participate in cross-functional teams and committees to provide procurement expertise as needed.
• Collaborate with colleagues, department leadership, external partners, and purchasing staff to support procurement initiatives, cross-functional teams, and shared learning.

• Maintain a contract calendar; proactively notify departments of expiring contracts; and lead renewal, rebid, or termination decisions.

• Manage a concurrent portfolio of procurement projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and deliver timely results in a high-volume environment.
• Lead complex Requests for Proposals, including scope development, evaluation criteria design, chairing evaluation committees, conducting negotiations, and drafting award recommendations for City Council action.
• Recommend or approve purchases consistent with the City of Pontiac Purchasing Ordinance and applicable signature authority delegations.
• Serve as lead worker for Buyer I and Buyer II staff; train, mentor, review work, and provide technical guidance on procurement methods, compliance, and contract administration.
• Leverage cooperative purchasing vehicles (MiDEAL, Sourcewell, NASPO ValuePoint, OMNIA Partners) where advantageous to the City.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local procurement regulations, with working knowledge of federally funded and grant-related procurement and contract compliance requirements.
• Proficient in procurement systems and software, including BS&A.
• Demonstrated advanced analytical and negotiation skills for complex or high-value procurements.
• Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking and professional judgment in complex procurement environments.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain procurement processes to non-experts.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, departments, and external partners.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily office-based with prolonged sitting and computer use, with occasional travel to vendor sites, meetings, or municipal locations.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced, demanding work environment

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Experience

• Five to seven years of progressively responsible procurement or purchasing experience in a government or municipal setting, including at least two years at the journey level or equivalent.

License/Certifications

• Certifications : Certified Public Professional Buyer (CPPB) or equivalent in hand at hire, or obtained within 24 months of appointment. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, height, weight, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.