Senior Buyer

Salary : $85,520.00 Annually
Location : Ellis County Central, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: PURCHASING
Opening Date: 10/12/2026

Description
The position assists with purchasing activities and operations which will include processing informal and formal bids, requests for proposals and qualifications, cooperative purchases, and creating agenda items for approval. This is accomplished by gathering input from departments; soliciting bids for goods and services; establishing and maintaining relationships with departments, vendors and the public; reviewing agreements; researching information and recommending processes; reconciling accounts; and maintaining records and documents. Other duties include analyzing and preparing data for presentations; assisting the Purchasing Coordinator with inventory and fixed asset tracking; assisting the Purchasing Coordinator with telephone administration (mobile/data/hardline); assisting Fleet/Inventory Coordinator with surplus disposal; preparing journal entries, ensuring adequate emergency processes and requirements; and assisting with performance management processes.

Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Solicits formal and informal bids and requests for proposals and qualifications (RFPs and RFQs) by preparing and reviewing specifications, completing cost analyses; consulting with departments regarding procurement needs; providing recommendations for the best approach in acquiring necessary goods and/or services; attaching standard documents to complete the bid package; contacting prospective vendors; posting and advertising; conducting pre-bid and bid opening meetings; negotiating pricing; and recommending and preparing awards.
• Completes procurements by providing guidance to departments; recruiting small business, local and MWBE suppliers; responding to inquiries; conducting pre-bid meetings and site visits related to open bids; addressing vendor questions regarding projects and purchases; and developing and posting addendums in response to questions.
• Prepares agenda items by assembling award summaries; writing documents; attaching information and submitting cost analyses.
• Oversees credit card programs and contracts by issuing notices to departments; providing training and monitoring; ensuring vendor compliance;
• Ensures all requirements are met by reviewing vendor agreements and contracts; ensuring all agreements are signed; reviewing and preparing purchase orders for approval; and verifying insurance and bond requirements are met.
• Attend meetings as necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Typical Qualifications
Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, public administration or related field.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, purchasing supplies, materials and equipment
• NIGP Certified Public Purchasing Buyer preferred
• The Purchasing Agent has the discretion to substitute any education and experience requirements.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Must have strong work ethic
• Knowledge of all aspects of contract administration, including language, terms and conditions
• Knowledge of standard accounting and purchasing processes
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, policies and procedures regarding County procurement and of principles and practices of effective data collection and recordkeeping
• Skill in basic and applied math, including the simple operations of adding, subtracting, multiplication, division and basic statistical analysis and attention to detail in dealing with numbers, words, and ideas.
• Proficient in Office 365 (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers, the public, and elected and appointed officials
• Ability to effectively prepare and present information, deliver presentations to groups and responding to questions.
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high-volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment 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.

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 35 pounds.
• Work may routinely require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.

Ellis County offers the following benefits for full-time employees.

Insurance:

HEALTH: PPO BCBS Plan

Ellis County offers an incentive program which pays for employee premiums at 100% if completed. Dependent coverage is available at the expense of the employee.
DENTAL: PPO BCBS Plan

Employee premiums are paid at 100% by the County. Dependent coverage is available at the expense of the employee.
VISION: BCBS/EyeMed Vision Care

Coverage is offered at the expense of the employee.
SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS

Accident, Cancer, Critical Illness, Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Term Life, and Whole Life offered through American Fidelity at the expense of the employee.
Retirement:

TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM (TCDRS)
Employee Deposit Rate:7% (Mandatory)Vesting:8 years of serviceEmployer Matching Rate:200% at retirementRetirement Eligibility:20 years of service (any age)For more information, please visit
LIFE

The County provides each employee with a life insurance policy of 1x their annual salary through TCDRS.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a 457(b) Plan through Corebridge Financial. The County offers payroll deductions, and the employee chooses the amount of investment.
Other County Benefits:

VACATION

Vacation time is accrued after one year of service and granted on your anniversary date each consecutive year.

1st - 4th year anniversary date12 days

5th - 15th year anniversary date17 days

16th year anniversary date & thereafter22 days
SICK LEAVE

Employees accrue 4 hours of sick leave each month.
HOLIDAYS

Employees receive 14 paid holidays. Holiday schedules vary from year to year.
PERSONAL DAY

Employees receive one 8-hour personal day after completing 6 months of employment.

After the first six months of employment, employees will accrue one 8-hour personal day on January 1st of each consecutive year.