PRINCIPAL BUYER  
  DEFINITION:
   Under direction, supervises and performs technical work    involved in preparing proposals, orders, and reports, arranges for    the purchase of equipment, materials, and supplies used by various    departments, and may also supervise and perform the work involved in    term contracts; does related work as required.
   NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for    illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title    may not perform all duties listed in this job specification.    Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
  EXAMPLES OF WORK:
  Supervises work programs of a major buying team and develops   appropriate working procedures.
  Assists in formulating standardized systems for the   preparation of receiving, processing, and recording requisitions.
  Assists in the design and recommendation of forms used in the   purchasing process.
  Supervises and participates in the development and maintenance   of term contracts.
  Maintains personal liaison with and advises all agencies on   proper requisitioning procedures and the correct use of orders and   applications.
  Studies the need and application for annual contracts.
  Supervises the preparation of proposals and development of the   annual contract program in assigned commodity areas.
  Schedules work to accomplish required tasks, and makes suitable   assignments to other buyers and clerical personnel.
  Gives advice and assistance where difficult and unusual   problems arise.
  Reviews the work of subordinates to ascertain that proper   procedures are followed.
  Makes decisions requiring knowledge of policies, procedures, and   regulations relevant to the work of the unit.
  Directs subordinates in and may participate in receiving,   tabulating, and recording quotations from vendors.
  Checks the accuracy and relevancy of item descriptions and   specifications.
  Checks the preparation and distribution of proposals to   vendors.
  Ascertains the prices of commodities and/or services and ascertains   the ability of the supplier to deliver specified items.
  Interviews salespersons and vendors in the office concerning   their products.
  Confers with representatives of various departments of the   jurisdiction concerning their requirements for items on order and   determines the acceptability of substitutes.
  Prepares advertisements for soliciting bids.
  Supervises the preparation of purchase orders and handles   correspondence.
  Prepares and supervises the preparation of reports and is   responsible for the establishment and maintenance of essential   records and files.
  Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic   and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by   the agency, office, or related units.
   REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE:Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Eight (8) years of professional experience in large scale purchase of commodities, materials, equipment, and/or supplies.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE:"Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specalized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions. 
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
  Knowledge of the many services and commodities purchased   for the jurisdiction or agency after a period of training.
  Knowledge of shipping and transportation details and   problems.
  Knowledge of basic source materials relating to qualities and   standards established for varied types of equipment, materials,   supplies, machines, and commodities and their application to specific   procurement problems.
  Knowledge of record keeping procedures, budget procedures, and   related budgetary problems.
  Ability to organize and assign field, office, and other   purchasing work and to develop effective work methods in accord with   prescribed procedures.      Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret purchase   regulations and ensure their implementation.
  Ability to create and maintain a harmonious relationship   with associates, superior officers, vendors, and salespersons and   others concerned with purchase matters.
  Ability to draft proposals specifically designed to ensure timely   delivery at the best possible price of services or commodities of the   required quality.
  Ability to analyze bids to determine which bid constitutes the best    value offered.
  Ability to supervise the orientation and training of employees.
  Ability to interview salespersons and vendors.
  Ability to determine actions required to expedite delivery of purchases.
  Ability to address agency representatives.
  Ability to draft correspondence and reports.
  Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual   recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or   related units.
  Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English   sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign   Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of   communication.
  Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as   they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable   accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the   accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer   undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
   CODES: LG-02770      MCK            03/17/05
   This job specification is for local government use only.