Senior Buyer - PW (Finance)
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Senior Buyer - PW (Finance)
Salary
$36.14 - $47.79 Hourly
Location
Elkhorn, WI
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
2025-00087
Department
Finance
Opening Date
08/13/2025
Closing Date
8/27/2025 5:00 PM Central
Description
Benefits
Questions
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Position Summary
Under direction of the Purchasing Manager, this position performs work in the procurement of materials and services on a County-wide basis, with a focus on managing formal solicitations and complex projects for various departments including public construction and information technology related needs. The position assists in the administration of the County's centralized purchasing program, in compliance with all applicable statutory regulations, policies, and procedures relative to public procurement.
SUPERVISION
This position has no supervisory responsibilities; however, this position provides guidance to County departments regarding purchasing requirements and regulations. This position may also mentor and advise Buyers to enhance their knowledge and professional development.
SCHEDULE
Division: Purchasing
Days: Monday - Friday
Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Hours Per Shift: 8
Shifts Per Pay Period: 10
Position FTE: 1.00 Full-time, Salaried Exempt
Applications are being accepted from current Walworth County employees as well as members of the public.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Coordinate the County's centralized procurement program, including development of Request for Bids; Request for Proposals; Request for Quotations; and Request for Qualifications; Cooperative Procurements in accordance with applicable federal guidelines, Wisconsin State Statutes, County ordinances, and administrative procedures.
Apply a thorough understanding of pertinent sections of Wisconsin State Statutes, county ordinances, policies, and procedures; provide accurate interpretations to county departments and vendors. Seek legal opinions from the Corporation Counsel on bidding, contractual and liability questions.
Purchase a wide variety of supplies, equipment, materials, and services. Determine the appropriate procurement method. Administer the suitable procurement process in a fair and transparent manner.
Confirm departments have performed appropriate market research regarding goods, services and/or equipment to purchase. Research can include consulting with industry specialists to secure information regarding new products, improvements, and cost cutting alternatives. Administer a formal request for information as appropriate. Provide guidance and assist departments with research as appropriate.
Provide guidance and assist departments with developing specifications, scope of services, and developing the evaluation criteria for formal solicitations. Assist departments with the development and revision of performance-based product specifications, when needed.
Conduct multi-department and cooperative procurements that meet the needs of the participants and utilize economies of scale. When applicable, conduct multi-department cost analysis and make the appropriate recommendations.
Coordinate and conduct the distribution of solicitation documents, internal and external communications, pre-bid/proposal conferences and solicitation opening. Perform a quality review of and/or evaluate solicitation responses, as appropriate. Verify compliance of insurance coverage and performance and payment bonds as required.
Conduct contract negotiations, including best and final offers and terms and conditions, with vendors and review opportunities to create cost savings utilizing negotiation and public procurement best practice tools and methods, when appropriate.
Prepare and coordinate detailed contracts, amendments, and notices to vendors for assigned contracts.
Maintain project files for assigned projects including the ongoing acquisition of required documentation (insurance certificates, W9 forms, etc.) and completion of suspension/debarment searches, when necessary prior to awarding a contract to a potential vendor.
Provide input in the development, implementation, and revision of County ordinances and administrative procedures related to procurement and submit to the Purchasing Manager for approval.
Monitor changes in the public procurement field, including relevant federal, state, and local statutes; relevant policies of State of Wisconsin departments; and the field of public works/construction and information technology. Evaluate the impact of public policy changes on the County and discuss with Purchasing Manager.
Perform detailed inspection, reading, editing and verifying of documents. Prioritize and analyze data.
Assist in the development of procurement training materials and provide training to departments.
Prepare oral and written reports and represent the division at various meetings and committees, as required.
Demonstrate a commitment to County safety and risk management efforts.
Establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers, departments, vendors and other governmental agencies.
Provide backup and mentor other purchasing buyers and assist purchasing supervisor as needed.
Contribute to the overall success of the Purchasing Division by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor degree in business, or public administration, business law, finance, purchasing, or a closely related field; or formal preparation equivalent to a four-year program and two to three years of relevant prior experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with public works construction projects/purchases, information technology purchases, and government purchasing strongly desired.
Essential Knowledge and Abilities
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple activities.
Knowledge of all principles involved in government purchasing, contract development, and the environment in which it functions; including the procurement of public works construction and information technology products and systems.
Knowledge of market research methods and available tools.
Independently perform complex solicitation functions.
Ability to interpret and evaluate technical documents and drawings.
Ability to devise and calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions and percentages as well as the ability to apply basic algebra and geometry concepts to calculate area, circumference, volume and/or land measure.
Ability to locate and interpret internal and external policies and procedures as well as communicate and implement policies and procedures within the government environment.
Knowledge of contracts, contract law, and contract and supply management.
Ability to analyze data, make the appropriate recommendations, and resolve problems.
Ability to plan, organize and effectively present ideas, concepts and recommendations, in oral and written formats.
Ability to utilize spreadsheets, word processing, and automated procurement applications.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations and Other Special Requirements
Valid driver's license.
Proof of minimum auto liability insurance coverage.
Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO); Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) preferred.
Interactions & Communication
Provides specialized information and/or recommendations to others regarding an area of expertise. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills are required.
Decision Making
This position has authority to make decisions that are consistent with policies and precedents; supervision and managerial direction is available as requested. These decisions directly impact performance in the job and/or the work unit within the department and information is provided with additional research and observations which contributes to the decision making process.
Thinking & Problem Solving
In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the County, challenges and problems occurring in this position must be addressed within broader, department-wide procedures and practices. Strong analytical skills are required.
Tools & Equipment Used
Telephone
Calculator
Personal Computer
Printer/Copier/Scanner
Software Packages Used
Tyler Enterprise ERP (Munis) Software Microsoft Office 365
ReadySign Online Marketplace
Euna Procurement e-sourcing Microsoft Teams
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC AIA Contract Documents
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This position is eligible for a scheduled Remote Work option in accordance with County policy, allowing up to 50% remote work upon meeting stipulated performance criteria and receiving formal approval from the Department Head.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Selection Process
TO INCLUDE:
Formal Walworth County Electronic Application
Education & Experience Review
Verification of Driver's License
Oral Department Interview
Reference Check
Background Check
Post Offer Physical Exam
Drug Screen
Other job related tests may be required.
WALWORTH COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY
I - Salaried Exempt Employees
BARGAINING UNIT: Salaried Exempt Employees
DATE: January 1, 2019
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: All employees of Walworth County are at-will employees.
BASIS OF PAYMENT: Salaried, FLSA Exempt. You are not eligible for overtime or compensatory time. You are required to account for all time absent from your regular work schedule.
SCHEDULED TIME OFF: Accrued based on salary each pay period. All accrued scheduled time off hours are available for use, subject to approval of your supervisor. You accrue scheduled time off (pro-rated for part-time) equivalent to the following:
15 days per year after 1 year of Walworth County Service
20 days per year after 5 years of Walworth County Service
25 days per year after 15 years of Walworth County Service
*may be considered for additional Scheduled Time Off (STO) based on continuous related experience per Ord. Sec. 15-515 (e)
PERSONAL TIME OFF: Employees will receive 64 hours of personal time off as a lump sum at the beginning of each year (pro-rated for part-time and newly-hired employees). At the end of each calendar year, an employee may request to move remaining personal time off hours to the extended sick leave bank. If no request is made, any remaining hours shall be paid out on the employee's last pay date of the calendar year.
EXTENDED SICK LEAVE BANK: Used for time off of work for more serious health conditions that require three or more consecutive days off or when on an approved leave of absence.
HOLIDAYS: Ten paid holidays each year. As a part-time employee, you receive pro-rated holiday pay based on your positions budgeted FTE.
INSURANCE: Employees hired into a .75 FTE or higher position are eligible for Health, Dental, Life, Vision Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability insurance benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of service provided you complete enrollment forms within 30 days of hire. Employees hired into a .50 FTE or higher position are eligible for all benefits listed below except Health insurance. Employees hired into a .49 FTE or less position are eligible to participate in Short-Term Disability only.
Health Insurance: You can choose Tier 1 or Tier 2. Tier 1 is a standard co-pay plan. Tier 2 is a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). The County will contribute an amount approved by the County Board, payable as a lump sum to your HSA for Tier 2. You may also elect to contribute to your HSA up to the IRS maximum. You may elect either family or single coverage. The monthly premium will be split between the County and the employee.
Dental Insurance: You may elect either family or single coverage. The county shall pay 100% (single or family) of the premium for a full-time and 50% (single or family) of the premium for a part-time employee enrolled in dental insurance.
Life Insurance: The County provides you with term life insurance in an amount equal to $50,000. You have the option of purchasing additional coverage for yourself, spouse, and/or dependent children.
Short-Term Disability Insurance: The County provides you with Short-Term Disability Insurance with premiums paid by the employer.
LTD Insurance: The County provides you with Long-Term Disability Insurance. The monthly premium is 0.83% of your insured monthly wages. The County shall pay 67% of the premium & the employee shall pay 33% of the premium.
Vison Insurance: You may elect to participate in Vision insurance. The employee electing coverage shall pay 100% (single or family) of the premium for vision insurance.
WISCONSIN RETIREMENT: You are covered under the Wisconsin Retirement System if you are expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours per year for a period of one year or more. The WRS provides you with separation, disability or retirement benefits upon termination. The payment is split between the county and employee, as prescribed by state law. Employees expected to work less than 1200 hours per year will not receive this benefit.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: After completing 6 months of employment, you are eligible to participate in the Educational Assistance Program and receive partial reimbursement for tuition upon completion of approved courses.
TAX-SHELTERED BENEFITS: You may elect to participate in the following tax-sheltered benefits:
Deferred Compensation (S457 plan)
Medical Spending Account (S125 plan)
Dependent Care Plan (S125 plan)
Health Savings Account (S223 plan)
WORKERS COMPENSATION: You are covered by Workers Compensation for any illness or injury arising out of your employment. Medical expenses and compensation for lost time are paid from the workers' compensation plan. In addition, the County will supplement the workers' compensation lost-time payment for up to 1 year, making you whole on a "net-check" basis.
DIRECT DEPOSIT: You are required to participate in direct deposit of your paycheck to a banking institution of your choice.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: You and your family are encouraged to use the Employee Assistance Program for help in addressing confidential family and financial matters. EAP services are provided through Curalinc. Please call 888-881-5462 for help.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: You will receive pay for up to 3 days for the purpose of bereavement over the death of your spouse, child, step-child, parent, step-parent, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, mother-in-law, father-in-law, or other member of the immediate household (excluding renters).
You will receive up to 1 day of pay for the death of your brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew.
JURY DUTY: Your regular wages will be made-whole for any time you are required to serve on jury duty.
MILITARY LEAVE: Your regular wages will be made-whole for up to two weeks for you to meet your annual two-week reserve duty obligation. Extended military leaves are provided in accordance with state and federal laws.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE: You are required to request a leave of absence in writing and a minimum of 15 calendar days prior to your expected absence. All leaves are subject to approval of the Human Resources Department and are at the discretion of the County's representative, except as otherwise required by law. Under emergency situations, the leave papers must be submitted within 5 days after the absence begins. Periods of absence less than 5 days may be approved by your department head.
Note: This Summary provides only a brief outline of your benefits. All benefit terms and conditions are subject to the specific provisions of plan documents, policies, and/or legal rules and regulations. These benefits are subject to change from time to time by action of the County Board and/or Human Resources Committee.
01
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes
No
02
Please indicate below your highest level of education completed.
No High School Diploma/GED
High School Diploma/GED
Some College/Tech School
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctoral Degree
03
Please indicate what area your degree is in.
04
Briefly detail your relevant experience.
05
Do you have experience with public works construction projects/purchases?
Yes
No
06
Do you have experience with information technology purchases?
Yes
No
07
Do you have experience with government purchasing?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
Walworth County
Address
P.O. Box 1001 100 W. Walworth Street Elkhorn, Wisconsin, 53121
Phone
262-741-7950
Website
http://www.co.walworth.wi.us
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