Purchasing Analyst I

JOB CODE: 1312

PAY GRADE: 1160

SALARY RANGE: $32,215 - $54,842

LOCATION OF WORK
Purchasing Department

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the close supervision and direction of the Senior Purchasing Analyst, performs technical work in the large scale purchasing of a wide variety of supplies, materials, and equipment in the centralized purchasing program of the City-Parish Government. Work involves soliciting, awarding, managing, and auditing one-time and annual contract purchases for a wide variety of commodities. Processes solicitations for goods or services exceeding the delegated authority of City-Parish Departments/Agencies. Employees of this class perform some duties with moderate independence and other duties under close supervision. Work is reviewed through observation of results obtained. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Assists in developing, negotiating, awarding, and managing a system of annual City-Parish Contracts for the purchase of a wide variety of commodities and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements. Purchases supplies, services, and equipment for all City-Parish Departments/Agencies above their delegated authority. Assists departments with developing technical specifications on purchases for various commodities in order to receive accurate bids from a variety of vendors; prepares schedules for advertising and opening bids, analyzes and tabulates results, recommends award to the appropriate bidder, and prepares award documents for purchase order or contract development; ensures specifications are unrestrictive and adequately descriptive of City-Parish requirements. Assists in planning, organizing, and conducting workshops and seminars to inform agency personnel and vendors of all procurement laws, policies, and procedures. Monitors, evaluates, and forecasts economic and market conditions to determine proper actions relative to contracts which will best serve the economy and supply needs of City-Parish Departments/Agencies. Works with agency administrators, officials, and other personnel to solve problems associated with purchases and contracts. Performs an audit function to ensure compliance with purchasing rules and regulations by reviewing and recommending final approval or disapproval of procurements and payment voucher documents. Serves as primary liaison to user agencies on a daily basis concerning the online purchasing system that processes requisitions, purchases, and change orders by providing assistance and recommendations as needed; refers users to others for training, database assistance, and communication problems. Functions as an inspector by making on-site visits to vendors and City-Parish Departments/Agencies to investigate problems with goods received and to ensure vendors' compliance with product specifications. Reviews and recommends the approval of emergency and other non-competitive purchases for agencies of the City-Parish; prepares change orders for purchase orders. Maintains a working knowledge of the Louisiana Statute Title 38 and all rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and public bid laws. Investigates complaints on behalf of vendors, departments, or agency personnel; appraises situations objectively and issues recommendations for solutions. Adheres to all safety rules, procedures, and practices and uses personal protective equipment and devices provided as a condition of employment; makes safe work practices a part of all operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures. Knowledge of state and local purchasing laws and regulations. Knowledge of supply sources, local vendors, and market and pricing trends. Ability to make complex arithmetical calculations accurately and with reasonable speed. Ability to provide regulatory supervision to the City-Parish Departments relative to procurement and procurement related programs and projects. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, other employees, and the general public. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

NOTE:
The work examples described in this specification are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from job performance requirements if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the job.