BUYER SUPERVISOR

SUMMARY:

The Buyer Supervisor is responsible for recommending procurement awards, and overseeing purchasing activities. This position is governed by state and federal laws and institution policy.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

Supervises a staff of buyers and administrative support personnel by interviewing, hiring, training, making work assignments, and evaluating job performance.

Provides assistance to departments and vendors on current purchasing procedures, electronic purchasing system, purchasing laws, problem solving, product information, supply sources, customs and duty regulations, contractual terms, and conditions review.

Oversees collection, delivery, and storage of warehouse inventory.

Reviews purchase requests and awards for compliance with state purchasing laws and regulations, examines specifications, justifications, and product test reports, and recommends contract awards.

Assists buyers in writing specifications, product research, and alternative product recommendations.

Interviews salesmen and industrial representatives, explains purchasing policies and procedures to vendors and institution officials, and advises officials on problems concerning supplies, equipment, and contractual services.

Compiles various reports, assists in developing policies and procedures, attends various meetings, provides in-service training to subordinates, keeps abreast of purchasing regulations, and answers correspondence.

Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of state purchasing rules, regulations, and methods. Knowledge of market conditions and resources. Knowledge of agency/institution purchasing requirements. Knowledge of supervisory practices and techniques. Ability to research, prepare, and evaluate product specifications. Ability to prioritize work and assure compliance with state purchasing regulations. Ability to supervise a subordinate purchasing staff.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a major in general business, marketing or related field; plus three years of experience in purchasing or related area, including one year in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Additional requirements determined by the institution for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.