SANTA ANA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

BUYER


BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Director of Purchasing and Stores, purchase supplies, materials, services and equipment in assigned categories and in accordance with established policies and procedures; prepare bid specifications as directed.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Review requisitions for purchase of supplies, materials and equipment. E

Determine method of procurement considering purchasing policies and the nature of specific requests. E

Obtain quotations on materials and supplies; prepare formal bids on purchases required by District policy. E

Locate sources of supply; place direct orders on assigned purchases; expedite and follow up on orders; authorize purchases from best source of supply and price; negotiate with vendors and manufacturers on obtaining high quality service, delivery and price. E

Make telephone contacts with vendors regarding prices and delivery dates. E

Assist department and school personnel in securing information on special or new items; arrange for on-site demonstrations of equipment and supplies; visit schools to assist and inform staff as necessary. E

Interview sales representatives and remain current on new products and services available to school districts; attend trade shows and educa¬tion materials fairs to become informed of new products. E

Obtain information to complete inadequate purchase orders and bids or quotations; evaluate written quotations and respond to questions regarding bids and specifications. E

Maintain records and prepare reports as necessary. E

Maintain contact with the accounting and warehousing functions to assure proper delivery and recording of merchandise; verify delivery performance with warehouse; resolve complex problems regarding deficiencies in quality of equip¬ment, materials or supplies received. E

Keep informed of new products, market conditions and cost trends.

Provide work direction and guidance to Purchasing Assistants.

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Procurement and purchasing terminology.
Principles of purchasing and buying.
Supplies and materials commonly used in the District.
Sources of purchasing information.
Applicable sections of State Education Code.
Oral and written communication skills.
School District organization, operations and objectives.
Data processing input procedures.

ABILITY TO:
Work cooperatively with others.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
Make arithmetic calculations.
Communicate effectively with others.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others including vendors.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Prepare bids documents and specifications on supply, materials and equipment items.
Perform the essential functions of the job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and some classes in purchasing, business administration or a related field and three years of experience in a progressively responsible position in a purchasing office.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment.
Numerous interruptions.


PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Hearing and speaking accurately to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
Seeing to read a variety of materials.
Sitting for extended periods of time.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to file materials.
Lifting or moving objects, normally not exceeding twenty (20) pounds.


Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Board Approved: (12/82 9/91) 5/01