Deputy Purchasing Agent

Description

Vacancy is in the procurement division of the Finance department. Under direction, assists in overseeing and coordinating the City’s purchasing program and activities. Work involves responsibility for performing and directing assigned administrative functions of the division and assisting, as required, in the overall supervision of the purchasing program, including, but not limited to, establishing purchasing policy and procedures within the provisions of the City Charter and codes; evaluating vendor performances; and supervising and reviewing the work of the Purchasing Unit for effectiveness in meeting objectives. Assists the Purchasing Agent in directing the City’s overall purchasing program. Supervises a group of professional and technical personnel engaged in the purchasing of goods and services, the development of specifications, the solicitation and awarding of bids, and the preparation of contracts. Establishes scheduled purchases to effect cost savings through volume purchasing and favorable market conditions. Reviews requisitions for completeness and conformance to requirements with the City’s Purchasing Ordinance. Ensures the City’s affirmative procurement requirements are included in the appropriate bids and contracts for Hartford’s Affirmative Action Plan. May prepare bid and RFP specifications and related documents, approve requisitions, and generate and make revisions to purchase orders. May prepare agreements resulting from bid and RFP specifications and related documents. Responsible for various purchasing reporting as required. Interprets and enforces purchasing ordinances, policies and procedures; updates current and/or creates new purchasing policies/procedures as needed and appropriate; and identifies areas for automation and assists with the implementation of software application processes. Answers inquiries and advises department personnel on the status of bids and awards. Establishes and maintains vendor relationships. Meets regularly with department personnel and vendors for performance reviews. Provides periodic training on procurement initiatives, policies and procedures, and interprets and enforces purchasing ordinances, policies, and procedures. Reports any unusual situations or circumstances to their supervisor.

The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform additional related duties.

This is a HMEA union position. The hours of work are 40 per week and the above salary includes 5% in lieu of overtime.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The examination will consist of rating your training and experience as contained on your application and may include a written test, an oral test, or a combination thereof. All parts of the examination, including tests and ratings, will be related to the requirements of the position. The examination will be designed to measure:

Thorough Knowledge of:

• Purchasing principles, policies, procedures and practices.
• The City Charter as it relates to purchasing.
• Contracts, contract language, and market trends.
• Procurement functions.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance management and evaluation.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with City officials, colleagues, and vendors and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Effectively plan, direct, supervise, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Respond promptly and effectively to emergency situations.
• Multi-task, plan, prioritize and work independently in order to meet established or statutory deadlines.
• Comprehend, analyze, interpret, and apply insurance policies/endorsements, purchasing related policies and procedures, and federal, state and municipal laws, statutes, and ordinances.
• Analyze quotes or bid responses for compliance with procurement rules and regulations.
• Perform research relating to purchasing functions.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of tasks.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with travel to different sites. Incumbent may be required to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends .

Qualifications

Open to all qualified applicants who meet the following qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college with major work in public or business administration or a related field, and four (4) years of responsible purchasing experience, preferably with a governmental agency.

A Master’s Degree in public or business administration from an accredited college may be substituted for one (1) year of the experience requirement.

If selected, you will be required to pass a physical examination administered by a city physician, a drug and alcohol screening, and a background check. If appointed, you will serve 12 months of probation. This examination and employment process is subject to all federal, state, and municipal laws, rules and regulations.

Other Information

• Application must be completed in its entirety, including required documentation. Applications without proper documentation shall result in your disqualification.
• All correspondence and information concerning the application and testing process will occur via email, unless otherwise requested at the time of application.
• Please be sure to check your junk and spam email for all recruitment communication.
• Applications via facsimile or email are not accepted.

EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCES AND LEGAL NOTICES

• Hartford Residency Preferred: Preferably be a bona-fide resident of the City of Hartford at the time of application. A completed City of Hartford Residency Affidavit including proof of residency as indicated on the RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT may be submitted.
• Veteran's Preference Form: Preferential Points may be given to Eligible Veterans. Must submit a Veteran's Preference Form , along with a DD-214 and Disability letter (if applicable) from the Office of Veteran's Affairs.
• American With Disabilities Act: The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.

Closing Date/Time: 2/2/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

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• City of Hartford

• 860-757-9800

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