Buyer I

Buyer I

Schedule: Monday Friday, 7:30 AM 5:00 PM with alternating Fridays off
Duration: 6-month assignment with potential to extend or convert
Pay Rate: $43.00 $45.00/hour

Our client, a leading public agency serving Southern California, is seeking a Buyer I to join its Finance & Administration Services team at its headquarters in Downtown Los Angeles (Union Station).

Position Summary

The Buyer I is responsible for supporting day-to-day procurement activities by processing purchase orders, negotiating pricing and terms, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring the timely delivery of materials, supplies, equipment, and services. This role also assists with contract administration, purchasing records, and resolving procurement and invoicing discrepancies while ensuring compliance with established purchasing policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Process purchase orders for materials, supplies, equipment, and services.
• Draft and administer standard purchase orders, blanket agreements, and master contracts.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Source products and services based on specifications and operational needs.
• Monitor purchase orders, expedite deliveries, and resolve vendor issues.
• Investigate and resolve purchasing and invoicing discrepancies.
• Review bid documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Maintain procurement documentation and records to support audit compliance.
• Collaborate with internal departments and vendors to ensure timely procurement support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Supply Chain, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of purchasing or procurement experience.
• Experience preparing purchase orders and contracts.
• Knowledge of public purchasing practices and procurement procedures preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and automated procurement/ERP systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Candidate

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and customer-focused with excellent problem-solving abilities. They thrive in a collaborative team environment, communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and vendors, and are comfortable managing multiple procurement activities while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

Additional Requirements

• Local candidates residing in Southern California.
• Candidates must not have CalPERS membership.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position.