PURCHASING AGENT-SENIOR/ PURCHASING AGENT

Recruitment #2206-4358-002

Introduction

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 old-world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and 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.

Purpose

The Purchasing Agent-Senior independently manages the full procurement cycle for a large volume of diverse goods and services, ensuring that all procurements comply with specifications, City ordinances, policies, procedures and accepted ethical business practices. This is the second position in the promotional series for procurement services personnel.

 

The Purchasing Agent is an entry-level position in which the incumbent will eventually coordinate the procurement cycle, as described above.  This position is the first in a three-step promotional series for procurement services personnel.

Essential Functions

Depending upon the assignment and job level, procurement services personnel perform the duties listed below.

 

Administer the Request for Proposal (RFP) Process

  • Review and process procurement requests (requisitions) from City departments for goods and services.
  • Work with user departments to prepare bids and Requests for Proposal (RFPs), 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.
  • Promote the use of small business enterprise (SBE) firms.
  • Negotiate contracts with suppliers and identify opportunities to implement cost savings initiatives.

Administer Ongoing Purchasing and Procurement Requirements

  • Monitor compliance with contractual obligations and determine need for changes.
  • Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
  • Communicate with user departments and vendors regarding pending purchases.
  • Make emergency purchases as necessary to ensure public safety and avoid work stoppages.
  • Coordinate special projects to improve processes and implement new procedures.
  • Assist in formulating policies and procedures for bid proposals and procurement of goods and services.

 

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.

Conditions of Employment

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy here.

Minimum Requirements

Purchasing Agent-Senior

  1. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, management, economics, marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  2. Two years of experience in purchasing or a closely related field.

 

Purchasing Agent

  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 in purchasing or a closely related field.

 

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.

Desirable Qualifications

  • 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).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Purchasing Agent-Seniors require an elevated knowledge base and skill set to perform more independent and complex functions.


Technical – Purchasing Agent-Senior

  • General knowledge of municipal governmental administration.
  • Knowledge of methods and procedures for public sector procurement cycles.

Judgement and Professionalism – Purchasing Agent-Senior

  • Ability to independently plan, organize, and prioritize work to achieve objectives within deadlines.
  • Ability to successfully negotiate with vendors to ensure efficient and cost-effective City operations. 

Technical – Both Positions

  • Ability to learn procurement and contracting law, including legal issues and mandates.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex technical documents.
  • General knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of mathematics and the ability to make correct calculations.
  • Ability to master automated procurement systems.
  • Proficiency using computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Oracle/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 – Both Positions

  • 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. 

Judgement and Professionalism – Both Positions

  • Solid decision making skills and sound judgment.
  • Ability to remain calm and composed when working under pressure.
  • Honesty, integrity, and adherence to accepted ethical principles and standards for purchasing professionals.
  • Commitment to professional development and staying abreast of procurement best practices.

Current Salary

Purchasing Agent-Senior (Pay Range 2FX):

The current salary range is $49,643 - $68,968 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $51,133 - $71,037 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

 

Purchasing Agent (Pay Range 2DN):

The current salary range is $43,350 - $60,688 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $44,651 - $62,508 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

 

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
  • 11 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.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of related education, experience and accomplishments, written tests, interview, or other assessment methods.  The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral, performance tests or personal interviews. Information from the selection process will be used to make a hiring decision. Selected candidates will be transferred and/or promoted to the position.

 

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination 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 examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

  • 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.

Conclusion

EEO = 204

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