Purchasing Agent

MASS TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: PURCHASING AGENT

CLASSIFICATION: TECHNICAL

GRADE LEVEL: ONE - FOUR

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Purchasing Agent executes the procurement of goods and services for the Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) against the approved budget and under the direction of the Purchasing Manager. Assist business units in developing specifications and scopes of work, bid documents and draft contracts, related to purchasing; Assists department managers with budgetary planning, specifications for goods and services and general assistance to insure effective use of funds; Maintains awareness of current and long-term trends in pricing and availability of commodities and services applicable to MTA operations and reports on those trends to user departments; Perform other duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISION BY: PURCHASING MANAGER

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Procure goods and services required by MTA
• Write and issue Invitation For Bids and Request For Proposals as required by MTA's purchasing policy
• Assist in developing specifications related to purchase of items through formal competitive bidding
• Ensure purchasing process is in full compliance with Federal, State and/or local directives
• Prepare reports and compliance documents for the Federal Transit Administration's Triennial Review
• Review all grant purchase requests, secure approval for purchase, and retain file of all paperwork related to justification, request and approval
• Maintain effective control over all funds; ensure use is for authorized purposes
• Maintain current price lists on items purchased on a frequent basis
• Act as a liaison and maintain a positive relationship with all vendors and MTA personnel
• Maintain contact with all vendor service personnel
• Ensure compliance with MTA DBE/WBE Program: Including files of purchase orders, documentation of requests for quotation, and potential vendors.
• Seek out and interview potential suppliers
• Approve "Request for Purchase Order" on items identified for purchase including ensuring purchase requests are consistent with line item budget
• Follow-up all Purchase Orders to ensure timely delivery
• Work with accounting personnel to ensure Purchase Order compliance before payment is made
• Assist Inventory Control in setting inventory orders and order quantities.
• Maintain working knowledge of data storage system and develop effective skills in the utilization of data system to aid work performance
• Provide supervision with required data, materials, and/or reports, both written and oral, as required
• Know and perform all job duties within scope and direction of MTA policies, procedures and contractual agreements
• Perform other duties, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to simultaneously work on multiple tasks.
• Well-developed organizational skills.
• Ability to comprehend and analyze complicated issues and detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong PC skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word is required
• Working knowledge of Federal and State procurement regulations and procedures

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or other related discipline is required
• Five (5) years of related procurement experience and/or training preferred
• Procurement experience in automotive, facilities and/or public transit is preferred
• Experience with and working knowledge of computer systems and computer applications related to purchasing and inventory management

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE JOB PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Maintain effective and efficient control over all purchasing to insure accordance with approved budgets
• Maintain consistent and effective communications, both written and oral, with all divisions and supervisors to insure effective management relationships
• Maintain a professional attitude and have the ability to establish working relationships with vendors
• Maintain strict adherence to prescribed purchasing procedures and the use of sound judgment when making decisions on purchasing on behalf of the MTA
• Maintain continuous effective communications and awareness of the compliance procedures with Federal, State and Local directives i.e. MBE/WBE/DBE
• Maintain accurate records and files regarding purchases of grant applications and contracts
• Maintain strict adherence to all applicable MTA policies and procedures in order to insure effective workflow

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Typical of an office environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Typical of an office environment

Wage Range: $44,125 - $60,740

Determined by the Level of Experience and Education of applicant

APPLICATION SUBMITTAL:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply online at mtaflint.org. MTA is an equal opportunity employer!

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.