Purchasing Agent

Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree in business administration, public administration, economics, or a related field (scan and attach your official college transcript to your application), and
• four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience in a government or a centralized corporate purchasing environment which involved responsibility for the procurement and contracting of goods, services, or construction through formal purchasing methods, such as invitations for bids or request for proposals, and
• two (2) years of experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity.

Plans and directs the centralized purchasing of materials, supplies, equipment, and services required by the County of Hawai`i; provides advice and assistance to operating departments on matters relating to procurement; develops and implements policies and standards to ensure compliance with pertinent laws and ordinances; and performs other related duties as required.

There is one (1) immediate temporary, full-time vacancy not-to-exceed 12/02/2024 (noon) with the Department of Finance – Purchasing Division in Hilo.

(Appointment may be made at any rate within the salary range advertised above at which appropriate qualified applicants can be recruited. Starting salary will be based on the qualifications of the person selected.)

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

Examples of Duties

• Plans, organizes, coordinates and administers the County’s program of centralized purchasing and execution of contracts for equipment, supplies, and services.
• Directs the work involved in the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, and contractual services through negotiations, informal contracts, or purchase orders and/or formal competitive bids.
• Certifies requisitions and purchase orders as to the proper application of purchasing and contracting laws and regulations.
• Reviews, analyzes, develops, and revises purchasing policies, procedures, and activities to ensure the County’s compliance with laws, ordinances, and other requirements governing expenditures of government funds and to ensure that operating needs are met economically.
• Provides advice and assistance to departments on complex procurements; recommends language on requests for proposals and contracts; reviews proposals, specifications, and terms of contracts for purchases necessitating formal bid procedures.
• Oversees the public notice of bids, requests for professional services, requests for proposals, and contract awards to ensure compliance with laws and rules; reviews bids and agreements and recommends award of contracts.
• Develops, analyzes, revises, and implements policies and procedures for quantity purchase of materials and supplies, for the review and control of procurement and contract activities, and for all related transactions.
• Manages and oversees the County’s purchasing card (PCard) program; develops, maintains, edits, and updates the related policies and procedures for the program, including the training and coordination with bank representatives.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with line agencies, vendors and their representatives, legal, technical, and accounting personnel, and the public.
• Maintains, edits, and updates the purchasing manual and other internal published policies, procedures, and guidelines; coordinates training for division staff and for County departmental procurement and clerical staff.
• Provides information and education for the public by directing activities for the promotion and development of interest among suppliers to bid on government contracts and for the development of new sources of supply.
• Directs work connected with the standardization of specifications; makes recommendations and serves on the Standardization Committee.
• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and administers an enforcement program to ensure that departments are complying with the various purchasing requirements.
• Serves as principal agent for the County to work with the State Procurement Office and other governmental agencies on matters relating to the procurement program.
• Serves as principal agent for the County in dealing with other governmental jurisdictions on procurement and surplus property matters.
• Serves as the primary resource to the Director of Finance, Mayor, and County Council on procurement matters; provides input on pending legislation affecting procurement; attends meetings and provides testimony as required.
• Participates in the resolution of protests on bidding and contracting problems.
• Assigns and reviews the work of subordinates; provides training as necessary; recommends personnel actions on leave requests, hires, promotions, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, etc.
• Oversees the preparation and maintenance of required operational reports and records.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.