This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
This is mid-level technical and professional work in the centralized procurement of commodities and services in the Division of Purchasing and Materials Management. A Buyer at this level has the authority to obligate the state financially; however, this limit may vary and shall be determined by a higher authority on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
One or more years of experience as a Buyer I with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.
OR
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 18 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Business or Public Administration, Procurement, Marketing, Accounting, Management, Political Science, Journalism, Communications, Economics, Business Law, or a closely related field; and,
Two or more years of professional or technical experience in public or private centralized procurement as a Buyer, Procurement Officer/Agent/Specialist/Technician or Contracting Officer/Agent/Specialist/Technician.
(Earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified areas may substitute on a year-for-year basis for a maximum of one year of the required experience at a rate of 24 earned graduate credit hours for one year of experience.)
(Additional qualifying experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the required education.)
This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.
Reviews purchase requisitions for adequate specifications and scope of work, proper descriptions, and completeness of information.
Contacts user agency staff to clarify information on requisitions or obtain additional information.
Contacts vendors to resolve contractual problems and to gain knowledge of the products, sources, prices, marketing practices, design, and capabilities of highly technical and complex commodities and services.
Conducts research and assists in developing standards for new products or services.
Prepares invitations for bids, requests for proposals, and purchase orders; solicits bids or proposals from responsible bidders.
Conducts pre-bid/proposal conferences.
Evaluates bids submitted and makes awards after checking to ensure that proper security is supplied, bids are properly completed, and the responsive bidder(s) are providing the desired commodity and/or service.
Collects statistical and other information, and conducts research to support recommended actions, to determine industry standards and price discounts, and to locate commodities and services.
Advises and trains user agency staff regarding state statutes, regulations, and procedures for the procurement of commodities and/or services.
Assists user agency staff, when requested, in their direct procurements of commodities and services.
Receives general supervision from an administrative supervisor with the opportunity for independent action and judgment.
Performs other related work as assigned.
Intermediate knowledge of the principles and practices of centralized procurement.
Intermediate knowledge of state statutes and procedures of state government purchasing.
Intermediate knowledge of the types, characteristics, and supply sources of commodities and services commonly required by state agencies.
Intermediate knowledge of the techniques used to assess the quality and value of commodities and services.
Intermediate knowledge of current developments in procurement.
Ability to apply proper descriptive terminology or established specifications to requisitions for commodities and services.
Ability to obtain and evaluate competitive bids for the purchase of commodities and services.
Ability to secure, interpret, and analyze technical data, and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.
Ability to effectively utilize personal computer applications.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, user agency staff, and vendors.