Job Description:
BUYER
Description
POSITION OVERVIEWAPPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL Person Interested PN: 37868
Division: Administrative Services
Section: Procurement
Location: 8000 N Stadium Dr.
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Subject to change DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The purpose of the Buyer position procures various non-technical and standard technical operations and materials, equipment and services on a competitive basis for the City and/or department in accordance with City and departmental policies and procedures and/or specification requirements. This role ensures routine purchase requisitions are converted into purchase orders within required timelines. Interprets bids and selects the most advantageous bid accordance with city, state and federal laws and regulations. Ensures deliveries are on-time and expedites if needed. Resolves material discrepancies.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Performs routine research and follow-up on purchase orders and contracts; expedites delivery of purchase orders; maintains back-order files.
• Review purchase requisitions and/or contracts for content and conformance to specifications.
• May purchase simple, standardized items.
• Processes purchase requisitions in a timely manner.
• Compile data for the preparation of product specifications.
• Maintains lists of bidders. Maintains requisitions and purchase order files and logs. Generates reports as needed.
• May assign Assistant Buyers and clerical staff in routine tasks, such as preparing purchase orders, reviewing quotations, and expediting delivery.
• Review purchase orders and contracts for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with City and departmental policies and procedures.
• Review requisitioned materials, equipment, or services to see if they can be purchased via contract.
• Conducts pre-bid meetings and distributes bid invitations. Advertise and set bid opening dates.
• Gathers and compiles verbal and written bids. Tabulates bids evaluates price quotes, and compares to specifications.
• Researches vendors and evaluates their ability to provide and the availability of quality materials, equipment, and services.
• Selects or recommends the most advantageous bid. Schedules and expedites delivery and resolves any discrepancies with the vendor.
• Prepares requests for council action and final drafts of contracts.
• Interprets and evaluates contract provisions. Ensures purchase orders comport with existing contracts.
• Maintains and updates vendor lists. Maintains requisitions and purchase order files and logs.
• Prepares reports and responds to information requests from department managers, vendors, etc.
WORKING CONDITIONS The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Requires the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances; or the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within low tolerance demands with no real speed requirements.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Materials Management, Purchasing or a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Two years of professional or para-professional buying experience are required.
Professional buying experience may substitute for the above education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS None
PREFERENCES***Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6*** GENERAL INFORMATION SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRE The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. Department may administer skills assessment test.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - YES
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
Pay Grade - 16
SALARY INFORMATION: General Funds Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period.
Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-4882.
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-4882. (TTY 7-1-1). If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627. Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume along with their completed application when applying. For further information pertaining to the Houston Airport System, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDWLV_sJFoM
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Supplemental Insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability
- Retirement pension
- 457 deferred compensation plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year
- 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
- Compensable Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Flexible schedules
- Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
- Professional development opportunities
- Transportation/parking plan
- Section 125 pretax deductions
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
Closing Date/Time: 1/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
Salary:
$1,924.38 - $2,040.81 Biweekly