Buyer (Temporary)

Buyer (Temporary Full Time)

Recognized for its diversity, dedication to inclusion, and strong partnerships with the community, the Richmond School District is among one of the largest districts in British Columbia with some of the highest graduation rates in the province. With a long history of providing high quality experiences for students, the Richmond School District strives to be “The Best Place to Learn and Lead.”

Richmond School District operates 38 elementary schools, 10 secondary schools, alternate programs, continuing education and a number of additional facilities. The district enrolls approximately 21,000 students (K-12) and employs over 3000 dedicated staff.

This position ensures District quality; cost and availability requirements are met in making District purchases, while also ensuring compliance with District Purchasing Policies and Procedures. The incumbent sources, assesses and determines a variety of materials, supplies and services used in schools and District offices to meet the needs of the District. This position is under the supervision of the Assistant Manager, Purchasing, but work is performed with mínimal direction.

Major

**Responsibilities**:
(This is not an exhaustive list of the duties to be performed.)

Sources suppliers and procures prices and specifications to determine products and services suitable for District needs. Once requisitions are received from District staff, they are committed into a Purchase Order through the Purchasing Software Module as long as they meet District Policies and Procedures. Large expenditures and problems are discussed with the Assistant Purchasing Manager.

Interviews Supplier representatives for suitability by arranging demonstrations, determining product quality and monitoring reliability, availability and ongoing quality of products.

Responds to inquiries from District staff, department heads and suppliers. Provides information and assistance and resolves problems relating to purchasing matters.

Expedite orders and follows up on enquiries. Adjusts purchase orders for discrepancies as required and follows up on claims of shortages and/or damage.

Sources a variety of educational supplies and equipment used in the District.

Investigates and assists in the development of standards of products, materials, equipment and services for the District by consulting with administrators and other District staff to determine appropriate needs.

Composes memos, letters and other related correspondence as required.

Prepares Tenders and RFx for clients, post bids, builds evaluation document facilitate site meetings.

Develops and maintains effective working relationships and lines of communication with suppliers and District staff to discuss and provide advice regarding products, materials and equipment.

Performs other job related and clerical duties of comparable importance, difficulty and responsibility as necessary.

Required Qualifications

Grade 12 plus the completion of a Supply Chain Management Association (SMCA) Professional Program or the NECI Program for Public Sector Procurement with two (2) years relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Thorough knowledge of standard practices, procedures, terminology and applicable regulations and requirements involved in bidding, specification preparation, purchase awards, and contact management.

Thorough knowledge of the various types of commodities, services and price trends of educational supplies and services required by the District.

Thorough knowledge of computer operation and software such as Spreadsheets, databases, and work processing applicable to the position.

Good computational aptitude, including the ability to analyze quotes and estimates and to calculate total purchase costs.

Ability to organize workload, work under periodic pressure and complete assignments with mínimal supervision.

Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with District staff, department employees and suppliers and in resolving purchasing problems that may arise.

Good understanding of GST and PST rules and regulations.

This is a fulltime temporary position until October 18, 2023 or until return of incumbent.

This position is in the bargaining unit, with an hourly rate of pay of $31.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however ONLY those being considered for interviews will be contacted.

Richmond School District is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Our ability to provide the best education for our student population relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds and experiences. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The Richmond School District is the best place to learn and lead.