Salary: $6,290.27 - $8,436.13 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number:Department: FINANCE
Opening Date: 10/29/2026
DESCRIPTIONThe is recruiting for a Buyer to join the Finance Department's Purchasing Team!The DepartmentThe is responsible for the financial administration, from budgeting to auditing, of City fiscal resources and issuing of business licenses. The Finance Director assists the City Manager in the operations and capital improvement budgets, serves as advisor to the Land Management Team and presents to the City Council an annual audited statement of the City's financial condition prepared in accordance with governmental reporting standards promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
The PositionThe City of Torrance is looking for an experienced, results driven team player with the ability to make sound decisions to work as a Buyer in the Revenue Division of the Finance Department. The Buyer performs professional level purchasing duties in the procurement of services, supplies, equipment or materials for the City including development of specifications, solicitation recommendations of bids and proposals; and performs related work as required.
This individual locates and evaluates sources of supply and determines the lowest responsible vendor; interviews, evaluates, and negotiates with vendors; and secures quotations, proposals and formal bids. The Buyer also conducts surveys regarding purchasing practices and makes recommendations as appropriate; prepares reports and tabulations on materials and services, comparative prices and market trends; and ensures purchasing practices are in compliance with legal, professional and City established policies and procedures, the city Charter and Municipal code.
For a detailed job description,
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills such as:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration or a related field and two years of progressively responsible experience purchasing materials, equipment, supplies and services in a municipal and/or high volume setting.
License and/or Certificates:A valid California motor vehicle operator's license of the appropriate class.
To possess and maintain a certification as a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certificate from the Institute of Supply Management is desirable.
Successful candidates will possess the following:
- Knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures, contract development, and sources of supply;
- Knowledge of policies and procedures related to the procurement of supplies, materials and professional services;
- Problem solving and research skills;
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and
- Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at . The application filing period is open until filled, however first review of applications is those received by
November 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Note: If a sufficient amount of qualified applicants are received after the first review date, the position could close at any time.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:
Panel Interview: 100%(Tentatively Scheduled on November 12, 2026)
SPECIAL NOTES Visit to find out more information about our community.
The City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements
must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s).
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Torrance Professional and Supervisory Association bargaining unit, visit:
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
Do you possess a degree in Business, Public Administration or a related field?
02
If yes, indicate degree and field (i.e., Bachelor's degree in Business):
03
Do you have experience in purchasing materials, equipment, supplies and services in a high volume setting?
04
If yes, indicate your years of experience in purchasing materials, equipment, supplies and services in a high volume setting.
- Less than 1 year
- 1 to 2 years
- 3 to 4 years
- 5 years or more
05
Do you have experience in purchasing materials, equipment, supplies and services in a municipal setting?
06
If yes, indicate your years of experience in purchasing materials, equipment, supplies and services in a municipal setting.
- Less than 1 year
- 1 to 2 years
- 3 to 4 years
- 5 years or more
07
Do you possess and maintain a certification as a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the Institute of Supply Management?
08
Do you possess other Purchasing related Certifications?
09
If yes, indicate the name of the certificate and the certifying agency:
10
Describe your experience working in a centralized purchasing environment. Include a description of the essential duties, the approximate value you were allocated and the degree of independent judgment you exercised in this process.
11
Describe your experience working with a computerized purchasing system and your ability to utilize word processing and spreadsheet applications for processing bids, documents and reports.
12
Describe your experience working with Request for Proposals and /or Bids, explain the process used to determine the award. Include your role in this process and your length of experience.
13
Describe your experience in vendor selection, evaluation and order follow-up. Include steps taken for non-performance.
14
Describe your experience working with Purchasing Cards.
Required Question
