Senior Buyer (SB-020-25E) Whittier

JOB POSTING

NOTICE OF EXTERNAL JOB OPPORTUNITY

For Districts' Employees Only
POSTING #SB-020-25E

SENIOR BUYER



Join Our Team as a Senior Buyer and Drive Procurement Excellence!

Are you an experienced procurement professional with a knack for leadership and a passion for optimizing purchasing processes? The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) is seeking a dedicated Senior Buyer to lead and perform advanced purchasing duties in a centralized procurement function. In this role, you'll provide critical support to ensure that District sites and employees have the materials, equipment, and services they need to keep operations running smoothly.

As a Senior Buyer, you will spearhead the entire procurement lifecycle, from analyzing market trends and sourcing innovative products to preparing complex purchases, managing complex contracts, and ensuring compliance with legal and policy standards. Your expertise will guide and mentor team members while shaping efficient purchasing strategies that deliver value to the Districts. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, we invite you to apply and be part of our mission to serve the community effectively.

LOCATION:

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, PURCHASING SECTION, JOINT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, WHITTIER

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

To lead others and perform the more advanced purchasing duties involving competitive pricing, bidding, and procurement in a centralized procurement function. Make or recommend purchases of various materials, equipment, services, and supplies for use by Districts sites and employees to carry out Districts’ business and operations.

JOB SUMMARY

The major job duties are listed below. For a complete list of duties, please see the job description.

Under the supervision of the Supervisor of Purchasing and/or higher level class the incumbent will:

• Perform market, total life cycle cost and value, price, and complex cost analysis in formulating purchasing forecasts and recommendations for purchasing goods or services
  
• Provide direction and assistance to buyers, purchasing assistants and Districts staff in proper work procedures, while advising and explaining purchasing policies, procedures, and standards
  
• Be responsible for the complete purchasing lifecycle, which entails but is not limited to reviewing requests and preparation of adequate specifications
  
• Advertisement of bids
  
• Analyze quote prices for compliance with specifications and recommendations of awards and follow up to insure appropriate delivery
  
• Source and analyze new products, supplies, and services against specified requirements
  
• Prepare and analyze complex contracts or solicitation specifications/scope of work
  
• Review and approve procurement documents such as requisitions, purchase orders, blanket orders, contracts
  
• Ensure compliance with legal and policy requirements through the purchasing process
  
• Research emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to LACSD needs
  
• Coordinate and oversee special projects, supplier performance, and contract compliance
  
• Provide leadership and guidance to others on programs and/or projects; as a program and/or project lead, may direct, assign, train, monitor, and review the work activities of team members
  
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must possess all of the following:

• A valid California Class C driver license
  
• Three (3) years of experience with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts performing the duties of a Buyer -OR- equivalent experience working in the areas of procurement and/or contracts
  

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• C.P.M., CPPB, CPPO, CPSM, NIGP-CPP or equivalent Certification
  
• Experience in preparing reports
  
• Strong writing skills and oral communication
  
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
  
• The ability to create/modify sophisticated files using various software
  
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in field of Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, etc.
• Strong organization and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in using procurement software and tools to streamline processes and manage data effectively.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in contracts, pricing and specifications.

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Knowledge of:

• Methods, principles and practices of procurement/material management and governmental purchasing
• Provisions of the Federal, State, and local laws and codes, as well as Districts policies, rules and regulations pertaining to purchasing procedures involved in obtaining informal and formal quotations and formal bids
• Product standards’ products, commodities, and services used within one or more commodity grouping
• Methods and resources used in researching and analyzing commodities and services; competitive bid practices and procedures; current product status and general market conditions; basic accounting and budgetary practices; methods used in evaluating vendor capability and performance.

Ability to:

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contracted in the course of work
• Source and analyze new products and supplies to determine application requirements
• Conduct audits of contracts and agreements to ensure compliance
• Lead the work of entry-level procurement staff and buyers
• Motivate and persuade staff and vendors to act in accordance with the Districts’ goals and objectives
• Analytically and logically evaluate information, propositions, and claims
• Choose optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Obtain facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Perform computations and solving mathematical problems
• Grasp the external political, economic, competitive, and social factors affecting the industry
• Effectively use electronic hardware and software applications
• Initiate tasks and focus on accomplishments
• Focus on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Maintain trust through honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Show personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Respond positively to change and adapt behavior as the situation changes
• Attend to the needs and expectation of customers
• Collaborate with others to achieve shared goals
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of purchasing and procurement

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This posting will remain open until vacancy is filled and is subject to closure without notice.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the minimum qualifications are met.
• The selection process will consist of a written test weighted at 40% and/or an interview weighted at 60% and will be the same for all qualified applicants.
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.
• The written test and writing exercise will be held on Friday, February 21.
• The interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of March 3.
• Candidates will be notified of their results in the selection process by Human Resources via Neogov.

Please apply online at www.lacsd.org within the application period. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment application. Check your e-mail regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications are sent via e-mail. Please make sure that your registered e-mail address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list.

NOTE:

The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a job-related pre-employment physical, as well as a reference check, background, check, DMV report, and a drug test.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts convert waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources .

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact SAREEN BAGHIKIAN at EXT. 1313.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.

• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2025, the Districts contribute $2,305.28 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.

• DENTAL: Districts paid. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage for a prepaid dental program which provides for most routine dental care through a panel of contracting dentists with no deductibles. Employees are eligible to enroll in an indemnity plan if requested within thirty days after completion of three years of employment (sooner for some bargaining units), or during subsequent open enrollment periods.

• VISION: Employee paid.

• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.

• SICK LEAVE : Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.

• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.

• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.

HOLIDAYS
13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated December 26, 2024

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

• 

• Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

• 562-699-7411

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