This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Buyer IV
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is senior-level technical, professional, and/or supervisory work in the centralized procurement of commodities and services in the Division of Purchasing and Materials Management. A Buyer at this level is expected to research and determine if a cooperative purchasing arrangement with other governmental entities is in the state's best interest and if so, initiates such an arrangement.
Procures a wide variety of commodities and/or services, many of which are highly technical and require complex procurement standards and procedures such as negotiation.
Provides contract administration or performs comparable independent highly complex and technical functions.
Evaluates situations and has the authority to decide which type of procurement process is appropriate and to initiate and manage that procurement.
Conducts research to determine if a cooperative purchasing arrangement with other governmental entities is in the state's best interest and if so, initiates such an arrangement.
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.
Performs advanced analytical work in deciding which methods of procurement, such as negotiation, single feasible source, emergency, multi-year terms, etc. is appropriate; uses that procedure to prepare invitations for bids, requests for proposals, and purchase orders, and to solicit bids or proposals from responsible bidders.
Develops and manages procurement teams composed of other buyers and agency personnel in order to use advanced methods of procurement.
Conducts concept conferences, when necessary, to determine appropriate procurement method.
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, to locate commodities and services, and to develop standards and specifications for new products.
Assumes responsibility for the procurement of major commodity/service areas.
Supervises teams of lower-level buyers by providing assistance and guidance in solving complex procurement problems, interpreting purchasing rules and procedures, and approving bids of lower-level buyers.
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 procurement of commodities and services.
Receives general supervision from an administrative supervisor; however, is expected to perform duties with considerable independence.
Performs other related work as assigned.
(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.)
Two or more years of experience as a Buyer III 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,
Six 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 two years 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.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of centralized procurement.
Comprehensive knowledge of state statutes and procedures of state government purchasing.
Comprehensive knowledge of the types, characteristics, and supply sources of commodities and services commonly required by state agencies.
Comprehensive knowledge of the markets, marketing practices, pricing methods, and the techniques used to assess the quality and value of a wide variety of technical commodities and services.
Comprehensive knowledge of current developments in procurement.
Skill in the interpretation and application of Division of Purchasing and Materials Management policies and procedures.
Ability to apply or prepare 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 assist, supervise, and review the activities of lower-level buyers.
Ability to effectively utilize personal computer desktop applications.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, user agency staff, and vendors.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
View benefits