Buyer

Class Specifications – F.45
Buyer V – 7772
Buyer IV – 7773
Buyer III – 7776
Buyer II – 7774
Buyer I – 7775

August, 1983

Series Concept

Buyers plan, direct and/or implement campus purchasing programs; and perform related duties as required.

Incumbents typically purchase materials, supplies, equipment, and services; solicit bids, analyze quotations received, and select or recommend suppliers; negotiate contracts; purchase items and services in accordance with quality, quantity and specification requirements; prepare purchase orders from requisitions; maintain contact with vendors; develop new contacts for supply of goods and services; conduct special surveys of sources of supply, considering needs of the University; obtain the best pricing and discounts; make adjustments with vendors, and provide professional advice and assistance at the departmental, campus-wide and systemwide level.

This series is distinguished from other professional series, e.g., Administrative Analyst and Management Services Officer, by an emphasis on unique purchasing functions such as contract negotiation, contract administration, contract termination, price analysis, and procurement and related functions such as forecasting, inventory control, and cost analysis.

Buyer positions are allocated to one of five levels by comparing the complexity of required purchasing techniques, the authority to negotiate and make contractual commitments, the responsibility for purchasing administration, the responsibility for supervising incumbents involved in purchasing, and the level of supervision received.

Class Concepts

Buyer V

Under general direction, incumbents function as a Purchasing Agent for a major campus-wide purchasing program or as a supervisor over lower level Buyers assigned to the most complex commodity purchases such as computers, word processing equipment, specialized medical equipment and scientific laboratory equipment. They have full functional responsibility for planning, directing and coordinating procurement functions. Emphasis at this level is primarily on managerial/supervisory duties rather than on the performance of the most complex purchases or contract negotiations.

Buyer IV

Under direction, incumbents manage the Planned Purchasing Program responsibilities of a campus. Incumbents typically purchase highly complex technical items, materials or services which are designed and manufactured exclusively for the University; conduct difficult contract negotiations; develop purchasing specifications for manufacturers; and purchase goods and services for the entire University. Incumbents typically supervise the work of other professional and clerical personnel.

Buyer III

Under general supervision, incumbents purchase commodities of a technical and specialized nature that are usually made, altered, or customized to meet the University’s needs and specifications; deal directly with manufacturers; and independently negotiate contracts. Incumbents may, in addition, serve as work leaders for a group of lower level Buyers.

Buyer II

Under general supervision, incumbents purchase standardized commodities as described in the series concept. Incumbents at this level typically obtain information concerning prices, terms of payment, and selection of items; make awards to vendors; contact and develop sources of supply; maintain personal contact with vendors; and work with departmental administrators on general requisition specifications.

Buyer I

Under supervision, incumbents perform purchasing duties according to prescribed procedures and/or defined instructions. Work performance is subject to continuing review until standard procedures are learned. Incumbents may be delegated limited commitment authority. This is the entry level in the series, however, positions may be assigned to this level on a continuing basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants for positions in the Buyer series are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the positions.

Note: Specific qualification requirements are approved for positions by the Personnel Manager in accordance with the provision of Staff Personnel Policies 210.8 and 210.9.