Buyer Assistant - Purchasing bei Mesa Public Schools

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Job Summary:

To assist the buyer in purchasing process through preparation of bid documents; to process a variety of purchasing documents including requisitions, purchase orders, bids and board agenda recommendations.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Review and adjust all requisitions in assigned area for accuracy, vendor, and price 
• Expedite receipt of goods and services
• Apprise customers and/or vendors of order status
• Work with buyer to research and write bid specifications
• Prepare bid documents according to requirements of each bid, change formats as needed, ensure availability of funds and receipt of approval from requisitioners
• Prepare awarded bid for purchase order with distribution lists, special instructions, bond requirements, etc
• Mail bids according to vendor list and research new vendors 
• Attend bid openings, tabulate and prepare for Governing Board approval 
• Conduct site walk-through; perform vendor visits, communicate with sales representatives and District personnel at all levels 
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Adhere to District and State purchasing policies, legality and conformance with District standards
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools 

Required Qualifications: 

• Associate’s degree in business
• Two years’ experience in business or purchasing  

Skills & Competencies: 

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability to work well with diverse groups of people; good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to organize, prioritize and meet deadlines with minimum supervision
• Ability to author bid/quotation specifications and analyze results
• Ability to research unfamiliar products and services
• Computer proficiency to include use of basic software applications (Word, Excel, etc)
• Moderate proficiency in typing, with good accuracy; above average test battery; high math aptitude 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Most work is done at a desk using a computer, phone, and office equipment
• Regular interaction with purchasing managers, vendors, school staff, and administrators.
• Deadlines and multiple purchase requests require strong organizational skills
• May visit schools, warehouses, or vendors to inspect goods and ensure contract compliance
• Majority of work involves sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasionally lifting boxes of supplies, office materials, or small equipment (typically under 25 lbs) 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: 

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.