Open Competitive Examination #2399
Issue Date 04/03/2025

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Civil Service Commission of the City of Bridgeport is announcing an open competitive examination for a Purchasing Agent. When the exact date and location are determined, the qualified applicants will be notified.

APPLICATIONS:
Please mail, deliver, or email your application and a resume and cover letter to the Office of the Civil Service Commission, Room 106, 45 Lyon Terrace, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604. You can email required documents to COB.Exams@bridgeportct.gov with the subject line “Purchasing Agent.”

Application and documents must be emailed, submitted or postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025

Salary: $121,905 - $136,095 – This position includes a comprehensive benefits package including a Retirement Pension administered by CMERS (Connecticut Municipal Employee Retirement System).

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Performs work of a difficult and responsible nature in directing and supervising the operation of the Purchasing division of the Finance department, which is the City's central agency for purchasing all supplies, materials, and equipment; promulgates the policies of the City Purchasing Ordinance in conjunction with the Chief Administrative Officer, City Attorney, Finance Director and the Board of Public Purchases; and maintains and coordinates processes and systems for purchasing all goods and services used by the City. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL TASKS AND ASSIGNMENTS:
Reviews and approves purchase requisitions with Purchasing Buyers and Assistant Purchasing Agent after review for quantity, supplier, product specifications, cost, funding source, etc. Prepares, receives, and opens sealed bids within established time frames, and assesses the qualifications of potential vendors as part of the bid review process. Reviews proposed purchases to determine if the competitive bidding process should be waived to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the City, or where competitive bids would be impractical or impossible, and ensures that Quality-Based Selection processes comply with City rules. Collaborates with contracting officers in the development of requests for proposals, bid specifications, public advertisements for bid solicitation, and certain other purchases that require multiple vendor quotes. Collaborates with contracting officers to identify potential vendors, and to identify, locate and learn about goods and services that meet the City’s business needs. Identifies opportunities to utilize cooperative purchasing agreements to reduce costs to the city and coordinates multiple vendor bids for frequently purchased goods and services. Identifies ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of purchasing procedures according to current industry best practices, and reviews and comments on proposed purchasing policies or rules prior to adoption by the Board of Public Purchases. Ensures the protection of confidential data, and that all records of purchases and related activities are retained in accordance with City of Bridgeport and State of Connecticut guidelines for the retention of public records. Collaborates with and coordinates meetings of the Board of Public Purchases as a subject matter expert in purchasing policies and procedures. Works with the City Attorney’s Office regarding legal matters related to purchasing, contracts, and vendor management. Advises and assists departments in resolving issues with purchases, bidders, and vendors. Directs staff in reviewing specifications, preparing bid documents, qualifying suppliers, analyzing bid and quote responses, and selecting vendors based on best value. Monitors the completion of work performed by department staff to ensure adherence to timelines and schedules for the department's work. Provides consultation and guidance to staff regarding appropriate courses of action to resolve unusual, sensitive, or complex problems. Prepares a variety of documents (e.g., emails, memos, letters, statistical and narrative reports, etc.) to answer questions, obtain information, and document findings, decisions, and recommendations using word processing, email, spreadsheet, and database programs.

This job description is not intended to be a complete statement of all duties, functions, responsibilities, and qualifications that comprise this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, public administration, or related field, with a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in purchasing, of which a minimum of two (2) years shall have been at a supervisory level.
Associate’s degree in a related field, with a minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in purchasing or related finance position, of which a minimum of three (3) years shall have been at a supervisory level.
Municipal government purchasing experience

Must pass medical physical including drug screen. Must pass criminal background check. Candidates can be disqualified based on an unacceptable criminal/work history.

Subjects of Examination: The examination will utilize an assessment center format, which may consist of any combination of the following: group exercises, in-basket exercises, interaction simulations, presentation exercises, fact-finding exercises, written exercises, job knowledge questions, structured oral interview, etc. Those candidates who participate in and pass the examination will be ranked on a hiring list which will be used to fill the position.

Veteran Preference Points: Veteran’s preference points will be awarded in this examination to eligible candidates in accordance with applicable laws and the Bridgeport City Charter. To apply for veteran’s preference points, candidates must provide a copy of the DD-214 and complete Civil Service Form 2015, which can be obtained from the Bridgeport Civil Service Office.

Residency Points: Residency points will be awarded in accordance with Civil Service Rule XV for those who apply and qualify for those points.

Special Accommodations: The Civil Service Commission will provide reasonable accommodation for persons with a disability to take a test. If you need special accommodation you must request it in writing stating what the disability is and provide proof of the disability.

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, City Hall, 45 Lyon Terrace, Room 106
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
203-576-7103
An Equal Opportunity Employer VET/AA/DIS/SO/GI

City of Bridgeport

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Purchasing Agent