Services Procurement Buyer

Procurement Specialist I

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is seeking a motivated and service-focused professional to join our team as a Procurement Specialist I. As a Procurement Specialist I, you will perform a wide range of purchasing and contract administration duties, including processing requisitions, issuing purchase orders, obtaining and analyzing vendor quotes, and maintaining vendor records. You will serve as a resource to Agency staff by providing technical guidance on procurement policies and procedures, assisting with specifications and informal quotes, and ensuring all documentation meets regulatory and Agency requirements. Through collaboration with internal departments and external vendors, you will contribute to efficient procurement processes, cost-effective purchasing decisions, and strong vendor relationships, helping the Agency maintain high standards of accountability, compliance, and operational excellence. Also, in the role you will assist with PCard management, ensuring Agency staff are complying with Agency PCard program policy and procedures, which consist of, but are not limited to, statement audit, reconciliation, training, creation of training materials, processing of increases, and profile maintenance, request for PCard, and profile update.

Education, Training, and Experience: Two years of college-level coursework in business administration, public administration, purchasing, materials management or a related field.

At least two years of progressively responsible experience in procurement.

Ability to collaborate across departments and with vendors to support purchasing activities, contract administration, and timely acquisition of goods and services.

Experience conducting market research and price analysis, and evaluating vendor qualifications, quotes, and bids for compliance and best value.

Skilled in supporting procurement coordination, including assisting with specifications, managing purchasing timelines, maintaining vendor and contract records, and tracking purchase orders.

Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to assess purchasing requests and vendor proposals, identify risks or discrepancies, and recommend efficient, compliant solutions.