Buyer

Job Description:

Buyer

Description

Description

The City of Palo Alto is seeking a Buyer to join our team and support critical procurement needs of various City departments.

The Position

In this role, you will be a key player in ensuring the effective and efficient use of City funds. You will be responsible for the full procurement lifecycle, from sourcing and selecting vendors to negotiating contracts and purchasing a wide range of materials, equipment, and services. You'll work closely with internal City staff to understand their needs, review requisitions, and ensure all purchases align with City policies.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional who can build strong relationships with vendors, manage contracts effectively, and maintain accurate records. This position also requires strong communication skills, as you'll be a central point of contact for both external vendors and internal departments.

• Experience in public sector procurement
• Strong communication skills
• Knowledge of public procurement practices
• Familiarity with procurement software; SAP experience a plus
• Comfortable with e-procurement systems
• Detail-oriented

Typical Tasks
Duties performed may vary depending on working level assigned.

• Reviews and receives purchase requisitions to be processed;
• Prepares Request For Quotes(RFQ);
• Schedules advertising and announcement of solicitations on the City’s eprocurement software;
• Conducts pre-bid conferences & review Council staff reports;
• Analyzes bids;
• Determines successful bidders and issues purchase orders, makes recommendations relative to the awarding of contracts.
• Prepares contracts and amendments
• Reviews and edits Scope of Services and Specifications
• Enters contracts, amendments, encumbrances, close out and task orders into SAP
• Works with Project Managers to resolve issues in SAP;
• Maintains contract files and ensures documents and pertinent materials are current;
• Operates personal computers and learns specialty software programs;
• May provide training to other procurement staff and partner departments on the procurement process;
• Serves as a back-up to other Buyers in their absence
• Performs related duties as required.
• P-card Admin and Technical Support

Interested in learning more about the Administrative Services Department Click here.

Essential Duties

• Manage the procurement process from requisition to purchase for assigned departments
• Purchase goods and services via purchase orders, contracts, and agreements
• Work with City departments to identify and plan purchasing needs
• Research and evaluate suppliers; negotiate prices and terms
• Maintain accurate procurement records and compile reports with statistical data
• Evaluate vendor performance and resolve issues
• Serve as a resource for City staff, providing guidance on procurement policies and procedures
• Assist with inventory control and records management

To view full job description click here.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• Equivalent to completion of 2 years of college with major in business.

and

• Two years experience as a buyer or equivalent purchasing experience.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a California Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to communicate with others and to assimilate and understand information, in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.

• Knowledge of purchasing and contracting methods; modern business practices; and, public purchasing and materials principles.
• Ability to analyze purchase requests; evaluate bids; prepare product specifications and contracts; make sound recommendations; establish, maintain, and compile accurate records and reports; operate office equipment; learn record retention procedures.
• General knowledge of maintenance, repairs, operating and office supplies, and safety equipment; ability to write and analyze related specifications.
• The skills associated with vendor development including negotiating, communicating, and product analysis.
• Ability to operate assigned equipment.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.

See our Benefits at a Glance Bookletfor more details.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.

Closing Date/Time: 9/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$109,366.40 - $133,868.80 Annually