Purchasing Officer

Department: Finance
Pay Grade: 18
Employment Status: Full-Time with Benefits
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Finance Director

Salary Range: $27.84 - $32.01 commensurate with experience and qualifications

Position Summary

Fluvanna County is seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Purchasing Officer to administer complex procurement activities for County departments and offices.

This position performs specialized technical and administrative work involving the procurement of supplies, materials, vehicles, equipment, construction and public works projects, professional and non-professional services, and other goods and services required by the County. The Purchasing Officer exercises substantial independent judgment and works closely with County leadership, departments, vendors, consultants, and contractors to ensure that procurements are legally compliant, competitive, efficient, and in the County’s best interests.

The position also supports contract administration, fixed-asset inventory, grant-related purchasing, and the County’s risk-management and insurance functions.

What You’ll Do:

• Prepare purchase orders, solicit bids and proposals, and review departmental requisitions for goods and services.
• Develop formal solicitation packages, including technical specifications, terms and conditions, bonding and surety requirements, sample contracts, and special instructions.
• Assist departments with developing scopes of work, specifications, invitations for bids, and requests for proposals.
• Recommend appropriate and efficient procurement methods based on applicable legal requirements and sound purchasing practices.
• Review procurement submissions for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act and County policies.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate contracts involving supplies, equipment, construction, public works and capital projects, and professional and non-professional services.
• Coordinate interviews and negotiations with consultants and service providers.
• Monitor vendor performance and contract compliance.
• Investigate and resolve procurement complaints, discrepancies, and other complex purchasing issues.
• Maintain professional relationships with vendors, manufacturers, contractors, and sales representatives.
• Assist with the administration of grant-funded purchases and review grant contracts for compliance with special conditions.
• Maintain the County’s fixed-asset inventory records, including assets associated with grant-funded projects.
• Support the County’s risk-management and insurance functions, including annual renewals and claims reporting.
• Develop and maintain procurement policies, procedures, forms, and standardized documents.
• Perform other related duties and provide operational support during emergency conditions when required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - the successful candidate should possess:

• Thorough knowledge of public purchasing principles, procurement methods, contract administration, and applicable regulations.
• Knowledge of business and management principles, strategic planning, resource allocation, and coordination of organizational resources.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and contractual requirements.
• Ability to evaluate procurement needs and determine the appropriate sourcing and solicitation method.
• Strong analytical, organizational, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and make decisions consistent with established policies and legal requirements.
• Ability to prepare clear, complete, and legally compliant solicitations, contracts, correspondence, and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively with County officials, employees, vendors, contractors, consultants, and members of the public.
• Ability to manage multiple procurements, contracts, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Proficiency in using computers, calculators, and other office and technical equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Considerable purchasing or procurement experience, preferably within a public-sector environment.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional procurement certification is preferred, including one or more of the following:
• Virginia Contracting Officer certification
• Certified Professional Public Buyer
• Certified Public Procurement Officer
• Certified Professional in Supply Management
• Comparable procurement or contracting certification

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

This position primarily works in a standard office environment, with occasional travel to County facilities, project sites, or other locations. The employee may be required to attend evening or weekend meetings, presentations, or training sessions.

The position involves prolonged sitting and regular use of computers and other office equipment. The employee must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull approximately 15 to 25 pounds and perform routine movements such as standing, walking, bending, reaching, grasping, and climbing a small number of steps.

The employee may be required to report at an alternate time or location, perform duties outside the normal assignment, or assist the County during emergency conditions.

Post-Offer and Pre-Employment Requirements:

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and all other applicable County pre-employment requirements.

How to Apply:

Submit an application through the Fluvanna County Job Openings page. Applications will be reviewed based on the education, experience, training, and qualifications demonstrated in the submitted application materials.

Fluvanna County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.