Associate Buyer Jobs

• Conduct all phases of contract preparation for professional services for departments with less volume and less complex needs including: contract creation that is in compliance with the direct purchase or competitive solicitation and awarded contractor’s response; obtain necessary contract documents, such as bonds and insurance requirements, and validate the accuracy and compliance of documents; attest that the contract is in compliance with all city policies and procedures, federal regulations, and state statutes.
• Ensure that all contract compliance requirements are being followed which includes prevailing wage, Small and Underutilized Businesses Program (SUBP), Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Opportunity laws in the bidding and contract award process.
• Ensure that products and services are procured at the lowest possible price, or best value to the City, work with departments to determine who should be awarded bid proposals and ensure that product/service offered meets scope of services and terms of contracts are met.
• Apply the correct statutes, City ordinances (including but not limited to the Target Market Program (TMP) and environmental protection), tax letters, court rulings and administrative rules that affect the purchasing process.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on prices, deliveries and information received from departments relative to product acceptability and supplier services.
• Guide other City departments in the use of the enterprise procurement system to effectively and efficiently utilize system capabilities.
• Resolve disputes between suppliers and departments that may arise with respect to quality of services.
• Perform other duties and special projects when assigned
• Conduct all phases of direct purchase and competitive solicitation policies and procedures for departments with less volume and less complex procurement needs including: analyze the marketplace, develop comprehensive solicitations including assisting department staff in writing scope of services, conduct pre-proposal conferences, analyze solicitation responses for conformance with requirements, and manage the solicitation award process; attest that the direct purchase or competitive solicitation is in compliance with all city policies and procedures, federal regulations, and state statutes.
• Train City staff in purchasing procedures, needs analysis and contract compliance by conducting training sessions, holding meetings and answering questions regarding purchasing procedures.
• Recommend changes and/or improvements to procurement policies and procedures, templates and forms, solicitation and contract language.
• Perform on-line publishing of City Requests For Proposals
• Serve as contact person for vendors and bidders requesting information about request for proposals.
• Maintain accurate records and files on every contract, including documenting conversations, negotiations regarding proposal interpretation.
• Communicate procurement federal regulations, state statutes, city policies and procedures,
• Manage the processing of requisitions, purchase orders, and contracts within the City enterprise procurement systems.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field or equivalent.
Minimum Experience
Two years of progressive experience in purchasing.

• Physical ability to lift up to twenty-five pounds
• Experience with an integrated financial system (PeopleSoft preferred)
• Ability to analyze request for proposals to determine appropriate comparisons in accordance with generally accepted procedures.
• Proficient working with computer software including Microsoft Office and Acrobat.
• Incumbent is encouraged to work towards obtaining certification as a Buyer.
• Good verbal and written communications skills.
• Knowledge of sources of goods and services relating to department needs.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of purchasing as related to government organizations.

Benefits Summary
Our employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being.
Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the benefits page.
New 12 weeks of paid Parental Leave.
City employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.
Insurance
Health insurance
Eligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees one plan design with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.
Dental insurance
The City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.
Benefits
Paid time off
Our generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements.
Retirement
City employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.

• Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).
• Pension: The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.

• Metropass: The Metropass program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.
• Parking or Van Pool: The City of Minneapolis Transportation Benefits Plan gives you options to pay certain commuting costs-such as qualified parking and van pool expenses-with pre-tax dollars