PURCHASING AGENT

*** This is a half-time position. ***

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed historic charm with a breathtaking art museum, top-flight cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for managing the full procurement cycle for a large volume of a diverse group of goods and services, ensuring that all procurements comply with specifications, City government ordinances, policies, procedures, and ethical business practices.

Administer the Request for Proposal (RFP) Process

• Administer the competitive bid and request for proposal process.
• Work with user departments to prepare bids and RFPs and develop applicable specifications and scopes of services to solicit bids and/or proposals.
• Conduct market research to evaluate suppliers based on multiple factors, such as price, quality, and service.
• Analyze bids, recommend awards, and issue purchase orders and cost proposals.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and identify opportunities to implement cost savings initiatives.
• Serve as a technical advisor on any pre-bid conferences to ensure compliance with the City’s procurement process and procedures.

Administer Ongoing Purchasing and Procurement Requirements

• Monitor compliance with contractual obligations.
• Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
• Communicate with user departments and vendors regarding pending purchases.
• Create contracts and purchase orders in the City’s Financial Management Information System (FMIS).

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

1. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, management, economics, marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
2. One year of experience performing purchasing functions or comparable duties.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Experience in the areas of specification analysis of diverse commodities and/or bid solicitation.
• Experience conducting market research, evaluating and contracting for goods and services, and effectively engaging in negotiations.
• Experience handling bids or proposals in the public sector (federal, state, county, or city).

Technical

• Ability to learn procurement and contracting law, including legal issues and mandates.
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical documents.
• General knowledge of economics and accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of mathematics and the ability to make correct calculations.
• Ability to become skilled using automated procurement systems.
• Proficiency using computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel and Oracle’s PeopleSoft Financial Management Information System (FMIS).
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively address complex issues.
• Ability to conduct thorough market research.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Verbal communication skills in order to clearly explain City purchasing policies and procedures to various audiences.
• Written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise correspondence, specifications, procedures, and reports.
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with City managers, elected officials, fellow staff, vendors, and the public.
• Teamwork skills and the ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Commitment to fostering racial equity and inclusion in City contracting.
• Customer focus and a dedication to exceptional service delivery.

Judgment and Professionalism

• Solid decision-making skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to remain calm and composed when working under pressure.
• Ability to work on and maintain multiple ongoing projects concurrently.
• Organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines and changing priorities.
• Honesty, integrity, and adherence to accepted ethical principles and standards for purchasing professionals.
• Commitment to professional development and staying abreast of procurement best practices.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2IX) is $66,906-$85,151 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $68,913-$87,706 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

This position is a Limited Benefit Employee position, budgeted at Half Time. For 2023, the City of Milwaukee will contribute 75% of the single premium and 60% of the Family Premium of the lowest cost plan. For this position, candidates would earn vacation at a prorated basis based off of years of service.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit: https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• APPLICATIONS and further information can be accessed by visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL/.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO = 204

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.