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Description
*This position is eligible for a scheduled Remote Work option in accordance with County policy, allowing up to 50% remote work upon meeting stipulated performance criteria and receiving formal approval from the Department Head.*
Under direction of the Purchasing Manager, this position performs work in the procurement of materials and services on a County-wide basis, with a focus on managing formal solicitations and complex projects for various departments including public construction and information technology related needs. The position assists in the administration of the County’s centralized purchasing program, in compliance with all applicable statutory regulations, policies, and procedures relative to public procurement.
Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinate the County’s centralized procurement program, including development of Request for Bids; Request for Proposals; Request for Quotations; and Request for Qualifications; Cooperative Procurements in accordance with applicable federal guidelines, Wisconsin State Statutes, County ordinances, and administrative procedures.
- Apply a thorough understanding of pertinent sections of Wisconsin State Statutes, county ordinances, policies, and procedures; provide accurate interpretations to county departments and vendors.
- Seek legal opinions from the Corporation Counsel on bidding, contractual and liability questions.
- Purchase a wide variety of supplies, equipment, materials, and services.
- Determine the appropriate procurement method.
- Administer the suitable procurement process in a fair and transparent manner.
- Confirm departments have performed appropriate market research regarding goods, services and/or equipment to purchase.
- Research can include consulting with industry specialists to secure information regarding new products, improvements, and cost cutting alternatives.
- Administer a formal request for information as appropriate.
- Provide guidance and assist departments with research as appropriate.
- Provide guidance and assist departments with developing specifications, scope of services, and developing the evaluation criteria for formal solicitations.
- Assist departments with the development and revision of performance-based product specifications, when needed.
- Conduct multi-department and cooperative procurements that meet the needs of the participants and utilize economies of scale.
- When applicable, conduct multi-department cost analysis and make the appropriate recommendations.
- Coordinate and conduct the distribution of solicitation documents, internal and external communications, pre-bid/proposal conferences and solicitation opening.
- Perform a quality review of and/or evaluate solicitation responses, as appropriate.
- Verify compliance of insurance coverage and performance and payment bonds as required.
- Conduct contract negotiations, including best and final offers and terms and conditions, with vendors and review opportunities to create cost savings utilizing negotiation and public procurement best practice tools and methods, when appropriate.
- Prepare and coordinate detailed contracts, amendments, and notices to vendors for assigned contracts.
- Maintain project files for assigned projects including the ongoing acquisition of required documentation (insurance certificates, W9 forms, etc.) and completion of suspension/debarment searches, when necessary prior to awarding a contract to a potential vendor.
- Provide input in the development, implementation, and revision of County ordinances and administrative procedures related to procurement and submit to the Purchasing Manager for approval.
- Monitor changes in the public procurement field, including relevant federal, state, and local statutes; relevant policies of State of Wisconsin departments; and the field of public works/construction and information technology.
- Evaluate the impact of public policy changes on the County and discuss with Purchasing Manager.
- Perform detailed inspection, reading, editing and verifying of documents.
- Prioritize and analyze data. Assist in the development of procurement training materials and provide training to departments.
- Prepare oral and written reports and represent the division at various meetings and committees, as required.
- Demonstrate a commitment to County safety and risk management efforts.
- Establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers, departments, vendors and other governmental agencies.
- Provide backup and mentor other purchasing buyers and assist the purchasing supervisor as needed.
- Contribute to the overall success of the Purchasing Division by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education and/or Experience:
- Bachelor degree in business, or public administration, business law, finance, purchasing, or a closely related field; or formal preparation equivalent to a four-year program and two to three years of relevant prior experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with public works construction projects/purchases, information technology purchases, and government purchasing strongly desired.
Essential Knowledge and Abilities:
- Work independently in the absence of supervision.
- Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple activities.
- Knowledge of all principles involved in government purchasing, contract development, and the environment in which it functions; including the procurement of public works construction and information technology products and systems.
- Knowledge of market research methods and available tools.
- Independently perform complex solicitation functions.
- Ability to interpret and evaluate technical documents and drawings.
- Ability to devise and calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions and percentages as well as the ability to apply basic algebra and geometry concepts to calculate area, circumference, volume and/or land measure.
- Ability to locate and interpret internal and external policies and procedures as well as communicate and implement policies and procedures within the government environment.
- Knowledge of contracts, contract law, and contract and supply management.
- Ability to analyze data, make the appropriate recommendations, and resolve problems.
- Ability to plan, organize and effectively present ideas, concepts and recommendations, in oral and written formats.
- Ability to utilize spreadsheets, word processing, and automated procurement applications.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations and Other Special Requirements:
- Valid driver's license. Proof of minimum auto liability insurance coverage.
- Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO); Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) preferred.
Application Process
The full job description can be obtained and application must be submitted through the below link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/walworthco/jobs/5042390/senior-buyer-pw-finance?keywords=&page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Contact Info
Name: Tammy Werblow
Phone: 262-741-4354
Email: twerblow@co.walworth.wi.us
Closing Date: August 27, 2025