The Senior Buyer reports to the Procurement Services Director and supports the procurement staff as directed. This position will provide aid to the Deputy Director and all department's staff with solicitations and negotiations; executing contracts for products or services; monitoring term contracts and purchase orders; sending applicable notifications to departments and vendors; resolving contract disputes; provides procurement training to departments as directed by the director; assists the P-Card Administrator with P-Card administration and in coordination with the Deputy Director, coordinates all online auctions for the County. The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary. Represents the department, when needed, in meetings with county departments, county administration and in meetings. Assists the Deputy Director with all County contracts; assist with entering and maintaining contracts in the procurement database. Provides contract and purchase order support to all County departments; monitors contracts; provides notification to vendors and departments as required; this includes notifying departments and vendors concerning contracts ending or renewals; resolve related conflicts. Assists the Deputy Director with writing solicitations, contracts, bid results and updating vendor registry. Assists the Deputy Director in administering the County's surplus electronic auction sales program for all departments, coordinating sales between potential buyers and the respective selling department. Trains departments staff on procurement processes and procedures. Assisting the deputy director with electronic requisition/ purchase order management and working with the Finance AP team. Assist the P-Card Administrator with P-Card administration, training, and aids county departments using the P-Cards. Assist the Deputy Director and all department's staff with year-end close-out of all purchase orders. Communicates, resolves issues, and advises County department's personnel regarding purchasing needs, policies, procedures, and related purchasing requirements. Provides assistance to county department's staff to obtain best possible price for needed supplies, equipment, and materials. Assist the Director and Deputy Director in reviewing and approving purchase orders, monitors receiving and purchase order closeouts, cancels purchase orders in coordination with departments and AP. Works with vendors to purchase equipment, furniture, supplies, and materials as required. Responsible for maintaining and working with departments concerning the county's pre-qualified/on-call vendor list and updates the list annually. Provides information as needed to vendors in the areas of bidding, procurement guidelines, policies, and procedures. Maintains a complete and current electronic library of pre-qualified vendors. Assist the Deputy Director in developing bid and proposal specifications, evaluates bids, monitors bid openings, and notifies vendors. Assist in the preparation of the Procurement Services Budget. Recommends improvements to procurement processes to the Procurement Services Director. Maintains confidentiality at all times. Creates procurement reports as directed by the Director and Deputy Procurement Services Director. Performs other related duties of a similar nature or level.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent supplemented by specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one (1) year of college. Over one year and up to and including two years as an exemption specialist, assessor or related experience. All applicants tentatively selected for a position with Beaufort County Council will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for the illegal use of drugs and to a background check prior to appointment. Employment is contingent upon clearing both the drug screening and background investigation. Beaufort County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.