Career Center

Bring your purchasing and procurement experience to the County of Sonoma and expand your career with SoCoPi!

Starting salary up to $65.66/hour ($137,040/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*

The Purchasing Agent and their team of Assistant Purchasing Agents and Buyers work together to guarantee County compliance with laws, resolutions, and the directives of the Board of Supervisors. Additionally, the position:

• Manages procurement activities for the County including oversight of various policies related to purchasing of goods and services. 
• Directly supervises two assistant Purchasing Agents, including workload planning, directing assignments, training, and performance management 
• Prepares and manages the Division's budget
• Engages independent contractors and contracts for informal construction services
• Analyzes performance and workload data to develop and implement efficient and cost-effective procedural changes, methods, and systems
• Establishes and conducts periodic reviews of policies and procedures for the procurement of supplies, materials, equipment, and professional services
• Confers with department heads and County officials to evaluate purchasing needs and legal requirements, and advises on current technologies, procurement procedures, sourcing strategies, and best practices
• Investigates and resolves complaints from departments and vendors regarding products, services, bid protests, and contract awards
• Coordinates the identification, distribution, and disposal of surplus County property
• Serve as liaison to County departments to facilitate procurement of goods and services

To continuously evaluate and improve the quality of our service, SoCoPi's ideal candidate is a highly motivated, dedicated purchasing officer with public agency experience who can support a wide array of goods and services. They can quickly assess problems with a solution-oriented approach, set clear expectations, and tailor procurement solutions to the ever-changing department and County needs. Additionally, the ideal Purchasing Agent candidate:

• Has extensive knowledge of the Public Contracting Code and California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCA)
• Is a seasoned negotiator, able to procure the best price and terms available in the market
• Has excellent communication skills, and can effectively interact with vendors, staff, department heads, and County officials
• Possesses strong analytical skills, expert judgment, and a commonsense approach to addressing daily challenges
• Has a high level of integrity, a positive attitude, and the ability to lead without ego and diffuse difficult situations when they arise
• Is proficient with purchasing and procurement systems
• Possesses a nationally accredited procurement certification, such as the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), National Institute of Governmental Purchasing-Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), or the UPPCC Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

*Salary is negotiable within the established range and benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. For more information, including minimum qualifications, & to apply, visit, www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org or call 707-565-2331. The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. Apply by 12/05/23