Buyer

Buyer
Purchasing Division

The Buyer performs a variety of general procurement work to purchase materials, supplies, equipment, and services for Kenosha County. Tasks are generally performed in accordance with established policies under the general supervision of the Purchasing Director. Employees in this position must be able to manage a high volume of work, have impeccable attention to detail in all assigned work, and be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Join our team and help make a difference in Kenosha County!

As a Buyer with Kenosha County, you will:
• enjoy a highly sought-after work/life balance with weekends and 12 County-recognized holidays off; and
• have a work schedule of Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Working for Kenosha County will allow you to make an impact on the quality of life for its citizens.
Our people make the difference!

2026 Hiring Range: $23.90 – $27.15 per hour

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Prepare and conduct informal competitive solicitations in a centralized procurement program
• Conduct research and assist in the development of specifications as needed
• Serve as the division’s fiscal and clerical support for payment of invoices and maintenance of records
• Train and assist personnel in completing purchase requisitions
• Determine if purchase is grant funded and in compliance with grant requirements
• Determine quotation process to be used in accordance with Purchasing Division policies
• Act as liaison between vendor and requesting department and resolve vendor issues
• Perform order status checks, ensure timely delivery, expedite orders as necessary, and facilitate returns of purchases as needed
• Provide contract management including, but not limited to: Medical Waste Contract, County Wide Online Office Supply Contract, and Amazon Contract
• Provide clerical support for the Purchasing Division. Organize and manage files, place service calls, and assist with various operational functions and scheduling
• Prepare a variety of financial transactions and reports such as journal entries, financial statements, trial balances, purchase requisitions, purchase orders, voucher reports, and cash control summaries
• Calculate, reconcile, and balance various financial data; develop and maintain spreadsheets; research, collect, and summarize financial data as directed
• Maintain files and records; copy, scan and save files; retrieve files and ensure appropriate organization and labeling of files and materials
• Prepare and enter invoices, vouchers, receipts, and payment entries into the accounting system to be processed
• Process P-Card (credit card) transactions
• Monitor and manage the status of open purchase orders and requisitions
• Assists in bid openings and pre-bid meetings for projects as needed
• Represent the Purchasing Division in a professional manner
• Assist the Purchasing Specialist and Purchasing Director in their absence and as assigned
• Perform other work as required or assigned

Success Factors
• Knowledge of Federal and Wisconsin laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to governmental purchasing such as the Uniform Commercial Code, Model Procurement Code, and contract laws
• Knowledge of principles and practices of large volume, competitive purchasing
• Knowledge of governmental administrative methods and procedures
• Knowledge of the importance in maintaining confidentiality and integrity of the bidding process
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment
• Knowledge of available news media and related techniques appropriate for dissemination of information
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature; handling multiple procedural processes simultaneously; concentrating on moderate and/or fine detail with frequent interruptions
• Skill in providing quality customer service in a timely manner
• Skill in using office equipment, including computer, calculator, scanner phone, and fax machine; using Microsoft Office software; using financial ERP software
• Skill in verbal and written communication; typing and data entry
• Skill in time management
• Skill in researching legal requirements of public procurement and contracting
• Ability to prepare reports on special problems and existing practices in the procurement field
• Ability to analyze needs and influence purchasing decisions of the department
• Ability to deal effectively with vendors and salespeople and negotiate in the best interest of the County
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff, officials, businesses, and the public
• Ability to make decisions based on a thorough understanding of the Purchasing ordinance, policies, and procedures
• Ability to read and understand catalogs and brochures describing equipment and materials
• Ability to work independently and without direct supervision
• Ability to prepare, comprehend, and interpret a variety of documents including bid specifications, invoices, contracts, policy manuals, blueprints, plan designs, purchase orders, bid tallies, general correspondence, etc.
• Ability to research and analyze complex information, organize data, evaluate alternatives, and make appropriate recommendations; organize self and office in order to meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to remain professional and courteous at all times
• Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment

Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience
• Associate degree in public administration, business administration, marketing, or related field; and
• Two years of procurement experience;
• Or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle for use in the performance of the job

Benefits
• Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Pet insurance

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position involves frequent light physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and occasional lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as deliveries of supplies
• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices and objects
• Physical ability to participate in meetings and visits to other buildings for delivery/set-up of supplies
• Some travel may be required between County facilities

Work Environment/Conditions
The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position will frequently work in an office or similar indoor environment
• This position will have occasional exposure to individuals who are rude or irate

Selection Process
• Application Review – Qualifying
• Oral Interview – Qualifying
• Background Check – Qualifying
• Drug Screen – Qualifying

If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, February 13, 2026, at 12:00 noon.

To learn more about the Kenosha County Division of Purchasing, please visit: https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/109/Purchasing

Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.

The pay grade for this position is NE8 (Min. $23.90– Max. $30.41).

This position is located in Kenosha County, an expanding community along the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago. To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, please visit: https://www.visitkenosha.com/ or https://lifebalancedkenosha.com/

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!

https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/jobs

Deadline Note: