------------------------------------------------------------------
Buyer
UCI Series Concepts
Class Specifications - F.45
Buyer V - 7771
Buyer IV - 7772
Buyer III - 7773
Buyer II - 7774
Buyer I - 7775
August, 1983
******************************************************************
SERIES CONCEPT
Buyers plan, direct and/or implement campus purchasing programs; and perform
related duties as required.
Incumbents typically purchase materials, supplies, equipment, and services;
solicit bids, analyze quotations received, and select or recommend suppliers;
negotiate contracts; purchase items and services in accordance with quality,
quantity and specification requirements; prepare purchase orders from
requisitions; maintain contact with vendors; develop new contacts for supply
of goods and services; conduct special surveys of sources of supply,
considering needs of the University; obtain the best pricing and discounts;
make adjustments with vendors, and provide professional advice and assistance
at the departmental, campus-wide and systemwide level.
This series is distinguished from other professional series, e.g.,
Administrative Analyst and Management Services Officer, by an emphasis on
unique purchasing functions such as contract negotiation, contract
administration, contract termination, price analysis, and procurement and
related functions such as forecasting, inventory control, and cost analysis.
Buyer positions are allocated to one of five levels by comparing the
complexity of required purchasing techniques, the authority to negotiate and
make contractual commitments, the responsibility for purchasing
administration, the responsibility for supervising incumbents involved in
purchasing, and the level of supervision received.
CLASS CONCEPTS
Buyer V
Under general direction, incumbents function as a Purchasing Agent for a major
campus-wide purchasing program or as a supervisor over lower level Buyers
assigned to the most complex commodity purchases such as computers, word
processing equipment, specialized medical equipment and scientific laboratory
equipment. They have full functional responsibility for planning, directing
and coordinating procurement functions. Emphasis at this level is primarily
on managerial/supervisory duties rather than on the performance of the most
complex purchases or contract negotiations.
Buyer IV
Under direction, incumbents manage the Planned Purchasing Program
responsibilities of a campus. Incumbents typically purchase highly complex
technical items, materials or services which are designed and manufactured
exclusively for the University; conduct difficult contract negotiations;
develop purchasing specifications for manufacturers; and purchase goods and
services for the entire University. Incumbents typically supervise the work
of other professional and clerical personnel.
Buyer III
Under general supervision, incumbents purchase commodities of a technical and
specialized nature that are usually made, altered, or customized to meet the
University's needs and specifications; deal directly with manufacturers; and
independently negotiate contracts. Incumbents may, in addition, serve as
work leaders for a group of lower level Buyers.
Buyer II
Under general supervision, incumbents purchase standardized commodities as
described in the series concept. Incumbents at this level typically obtain
information concerning prices, terms of payment, and selection of items; make
awards to vendors; contact and develop sources of supply; maintain personal
contact with vendors; and work with departmental administrators on general
requisition specifications.
Buyer I
Under supervision, incumbents perform purchasing duties according to
prescribed procedures and/or defined instructions. Work performance is
subject to continuing review until standard procedures are learned.
Incumbents may be delegated limited commitment authority. This is the entry
level in the series, however, positions may be assigned to this level on a
continuing basis.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants for positions in the Buyer series are expected to possess the
skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of
the duties assigned to the positions.
Note: Specific qualification requirements are approved for positions by the
Personnel Manager in accordance with the provision of Staff Personnel
Policies 210.8 and 210.9.
July 29, 1986
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT LEVIN
Re: Use of Buyer Series
My July 18, 1984 letter to Assistant Vice President Stover transmitted the
concerns of Materiel Manager Delucchi from the Berkeley campus regarding the
assignment of the Buyer classification to individuals Outside central campus
purchasing departments.
Your August 21, 1984 letter to me indicated your preference was that
"Chancellors and Vice Presidents with delegated authority to classify
personnel positions consider the desirability of using the series within
campuswide or universityvide purchasing programs." You also stated that
responsibility for the classification of staff personnel positions under their
jurisdictions has been delegated to Chancellors, Vice President-Agriculture
and University Services, and Senior Vice President-Administration.
At a recent meeting of Materiel managers, there was solid agreement among the
Materiel Managers that the 'Buyer' classification should only be used by
central purchasing departments. Since a person with the title 'Buyer' is
considered an agent of the University with full rights and responsibilities
carried by agency status, it would appear essential that the title not be
allowed for general use.
The Materiel managers have recommended, and I am requesting that the first
paragraph of the Series Concept for Buyers be changed to read:
Buyers plan, direct and/or implement campus and hospital purchasing
programs for goods and series and perform related duties as required
under the direction of and with specific delegation of purchasing
authority from campus and hospital Materiel Managers. Buyers are
agents of the University with respect to purchases made in accordance
with Materiel Management policy, University policy, State and federal
law.
Please let me know if we can provide any additional Information regarding this
proposed change.
Wayne S. Ove
University Materiel Coordinator
cc: Senior Vice President Brady
Associate Vice President Pastrone
Vice Chancellors-Administration
Business Affairs Council
Materiel Managers
******************************************************************