Buyer
State of Nebraska

Job Info

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The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
State Patrol - Agency 64

Location:
Lincoln Job Posting

Hiring Rate:
$22.538

Classification Salary Range:
$22.54 - $33.22

Job Posting:
JR2024-00006066 Buyer (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
05-20-2024

Job Description:
Under general supervision, this position performs procurement transactions for goods and/or services, which range from standardized products and services to those of high complexity. Items are procured through formally advertised bid procedures and firm fixed-price contracts using standard clauses in accordance with statutes and regulations of the State Purchasing Bureau. This role requires strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.

Examples of Work:
Performs detailed review of purchase requests for standard and specialized goods, equipment, services in terms of adequacy, consistency, restrictiveness of specifications or descriptions, and compliance with administrative requirements. Solicits sources of goods and/or services and analyzes prices, discount rates, delivery dates, transportation charges, previous performance of suppliers, current commitments, indications of financial responsibility, and recommends the most advantageous offer based on findings. Determines procurement methods based on procurement history, estimated cost, urgency of need, proprietary consideration, availability of competitors, and applicable directives. Solicits oral or written quotes using Open Market Purchase Authority, informal and formal processes. Prepares detailed Requests for Quotation (RFQ), Requests for Information (RFI), Intent to Bid (ITB), Requests for Proposal (RFP) and, incorporating the technical description of product required, delivery requirements, and when applicable, the terms and conditions of anticipated contract. For services, includes appropriate clauses, terms, and conditions. Issues amendments as required involving specifications, delivery procedures, or timeframes to encourage vendor response. Attend technical review committees, pre-award conferences, and walk-through for service purchases when directed. Consults with supervisor on unusual situations. Receives and reviews informal and formal bids, and quotes. Review quotes for price reasonableness and determines if requirements for competition have been met. Evaluates quotes in terms of price, item, discount, transportation, costs, and delivery time and determines offer most advantageous to the government. Negotiates with vendors on a variety of procurement issues. Prepares purchase orders and performs post-award follow-up. Selects and uses the appropriate method to confirm or place the order primarily by using a purchase order against an established contract. Prepares final contract with necessary documentation and award recommendations. Compliance with LB429 requirements and completion of State of Nebraska Vendor Performance Reports.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business administration, procurement, supply/inventory operations or related field AND procurement related experience. Experience can be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

Other: Regular and reliable attendance is expected. If selected for this position, you must meet the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services employment eligibility requirements by completing an EEV (I-9) Form. The agency does not sponsor H1-B Visa's. Resumes will not be accepted as a substitute to your applicant information. Failure to complete all areas of your employment application may result in your application being disqualified from our selection process. Applicants will be screened for a record of criminal activity and criminal history using a fingerprint-based check employment or assignment and before a final offer of employment is made. Applicants must be free of felony convictions. Applicants cannot maintain a continuous association or dealings with persons, groups, or organizations that they know, or should know are persons or groups or organizations under criminal investigation or indictment or who have a reputation for present, ongoing involvement in felonious or criminal behavior. Applicant must successfully complete an extensive background screening prior to being employed, which includes completion of a Personal History Questionnaire. Selection process will include an interview.

Knowledge of: State purchasing regulations and statutes to ensure adherence to legal requirements when procuring goods and services, especially for specialized needs. Solicitation and evaluation methods to understand both formal and informal bid processes to choose the most suitable approach for each purchase. Procurement methods and business practices to effectively navigate various purchasing methods and apply best practices when dealing with specialized requirements. Price analysis techniques to analyze vendor quotes effectively to identify the most advantageous offer based on factors such as price, discounts, and total cost. Procurement clauses and how to confidently interpret and apply different contract clauses to safeguard government interests. Post-award procedures, ensuring a smooth execution of contracts after awarding them to vendors. Three-way matching by verifying the accuracy of purchase orders and confirming receipt of goods/services against invoices and purchase orders. Asset Management and Surplus Property procedures, properly handling the acquisition or disposal of state assets following established protocols.

Skill in: Shall be skilled in complex product/service analysis to effectively evaluate descriptions of products and services with unique features and critical requirements. Problem-Solving and negotiation to help Identify and resolve procurement challenges and negotiate favorable terms with vendors.

Relationship Management to help in building and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders throughout the procurement process. Must conduct thorough research to identify and assess the best options for products, services, and internal processes. Contract Development resulting in clear and comprehensive bid specifications and service contracts. Bid evaluation to critically analyze bids and proposals to select the most advantageous offer for the government.

Utilizing Microsoft Office applications effectively to manage and document procurement activities.

Ability to: Must clearly and concisely convey complex procurement information to both internal and external stakeholders, both written and oral. Independently manage multiple procurement projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and adhering to established procedures. Effectively prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance to ensure timely completion of the procurement process.


Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! For more information on benefits currently offered to permanent teammates, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.

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