County of Santa Clara

Buyer I

SANTA CLARA, CAPosted 19 days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from County of Santa Clara

  • Job overview

    The Buyer I role at County of Santa Clara involves purchasing materials, supplies, services, and equipment for various County departments and public agencies, ensuring quality and best value in procurement.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The Buyer I reviews and approves purchase requisitions, determines suppliers, writes bids and contracts, analyzes proposals, issues purchase orders, liaises with suppliers and departments, maintains supplier information, resolves purchasing issues, and may serve as a Disaster Service Worker.

  • Experience and skills

    Requires education equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related fields, knowledge of business principles, materials, mathematics for cost analysis, and proficiency with computer programs; skills include evaluating bids, solving buying problems, contract writing, effective communication, relationship building, logical reasoning, and negotiation.

  • Application process

    Candidates meeting standards will be invited to take an online written exam tentatively scheduled between 8.15.25 and 8.21.25.

Company overview

The County of Santa Clara, located in California's Silicon Valley, is a government entity providing a wide range of public services including healthcare, social services, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance. The county generates revenue through property taxes, state and federal funding, and service fees. Established in 1850, it has a rich history of supporting one of the most innovative regions in the world, playing a crucial role in the development of the tech industry.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight your knowledge of business and organizational principles, procurement processes, and your ability to evaluate bid proposals and analyze requisitions as these are central to the Buyer I role at County of Santa Clara.

  • Emphasize your experience with writing and reviewing contracts, ITBs, RFQs, and RFPs, along with your skills in negotiating purchasing contracts and performing value/cost analysis.

  • Apply through multiple platforms including the County of Santa Clara official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your chances of visibility and consideration for the Buyer I position.

  • Connect on LinkedIn with current employees in the County’s purchasing or procurement divisions; initiate contact by referencing recent County procurement projects or asking about the upcoming online written exam as an ice breaker.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'bid proposals,' 'contract administration,' 'value/cost analysis,' 'procurement software,' and 'supplier liaison' to ensure your resume passes initial automated screenings.

  • Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to tailor your resume, identify multiple application channels, and find relevant LinkedIn contacts, allowing you to focus your time on preparing for the exam and interviews.

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