SENIOR BUYER (State)
Senior Buyer is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
You can qualify with a bachelor's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $76,287 to $111,856, and state payroll currently lists 4 people in the title, led by Transportation.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Senior Buyer appears on the State payroll at 3 departments, most of them at Department of Transportation.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | 2 |
| Juvenile Justice Commission | 1 |
| Military Affairs | 1 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 4 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $102,919. The agencies employing the most are:
- Transportation (2)
- Juvenile Justice Commission (1)
- Military Affairs (1)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under supervision, takes the lead over assigned employees and performs technical work involved in preparing proposals, orders, and reports, arranges for the purchase of equipment, materials, and supplies used by various departments, and may perform the work involved in term contracts; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Supervises the work of a buying team involved in the purchase of various types of commodities. Aids in formulating standardized systems for the preparation of receiving, processing, and recording requisitions. Participates in the development and maintenance of term contracts. Provides advice on requisitioning procedures and correct use of orders and applications. Studies the need and application for annual contracts. Prepares proposals and develops the annual contract program in assigned commodity areas. May participate in receiving, tabulating, and recording quotations from vendors. Checks accuracy and relevancy of item descriptions and specifications. Checks preparation and distribution of proposals to vendors. Ascertains prices of commodities and/or services and ascertains ability of the supplier to deliver specified items. Interviews salespersons and vendors in the office concerning their products. Confers with representatives of various departments of the jurisdiction concerning their requirements for items on order and determines acceptability of substitutes. Prepares statistical, cost, and other reports. Prepares advertisements for soliciting bids. Prepares purchase orders. Prepares correspondence regarding purchasing matters. Establishes and maintains records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of methods and procedures involved in the purchase of equipment, materials, and/or supplies. Knowledge of problems encountered in government purchasing. Knowledge of record keeping procedures. Ability to organize purchasing work and to develop effective work methods. Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret purchase regulations and apply them to specific situations. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with associates, superior officers, vendors, and salespersons and others concerned with purchase matters. Ability to draft proposals specifically designed to ensure timely delivery at the best possible price of services or commodities of the required quality. Ability to analyze bids. Ability to interview salespersons and vendors. Ability to determine actions required to expedite delivery of purchases. Ability to prepare correspondence and reports. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of experience in the large scale purchase of commodities, materials, equipment, and/or supplies. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specalized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.