Job Description

-Prepare purchase orders, solicit proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services. -Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts. -Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations. -Research and evaluate suppliers, based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history. -Negotiate and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives. -Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices. -Maintain and review computerized or manual records of purchased items, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories. -Write and review product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased. -Formulate policies and procedures for bid proposals and procurement of goods and services. -Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes. -Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and resolve problems related to undelivered goods. -Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and Internet sites and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services. -Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends, or futures markets. -Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action. -Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution