Closes: 8/21/2026
Senior Buyer
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer
Salary (Grade): $86,200.00/year
Status: Reg., Full Time (Exempt)
Location: Finance Department in Winnebago, NE
Job Purpose & Position Overview
We are looking for an individual to conduct procurement work for the purchasing of a variety of materials, equipment, supplies and services for the Winnebago Tribal government. Flexibility, a willingness to help make change happen, and a \"can-do\" attitude are essential to succeed in this position.
Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values.
- Working closely with staff from various departments to develop and advertise solicitations for products and services required by the Tribe
- Handling contacts from vendors looking for general procurement-related information or assistance with specific solicitations
- Reviewing the Tribe’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures to identify needed or beneficial changes that staff should undertake
- Providing Tribe’s staff with clarifications, revisions or specific language for insertion into vendor contracts
- Training personnel from other departments on the proper application of the Tribe’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures to purchases of products or services
- Conducting bid or proposal openings
- Facilitating proposal evaluations for departments to assist them in arriving at vendor rankings
- Identifying performance enhancements that will assist the Purchasing Division to improve office workflow and productivity
- Conduct searches for new suppliers of goods and services, evaluate their capabilities, assess risk and qualify as necessary
- Fully understand user requirements and prepare and execute Requests for Proposals.
- Negotiate effective and competitive supply agreements which protect the interests of the Tribe
- Issue purchase orders and track and expedite as necessary to ensure timely delivery
- Manage supplier relationships including compliance with contract terms and conditions. Use metrics and scorecards as appropriate
- Effectively manage the transition from incumbent to new suppliers
- Pursue consolidation of the supply base to reduce complexity
- Manage supplier quality and conduct supplier audits as necessary. Resolve supplier complaints and issues in a way that achieves an acceptable outcome to the Tribe
- Work cross-functionally across the organization to ensure internal customer satisfaction
- Identify, execute and track productivity including cost reduction and cash flow improvement
- Duties listed are intended as an illustration of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from this position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.
Required Qualifications/Skills:
- BA/BS Degree in Accounting or Business Administration
- Certification with National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) or National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) preferred
- A minimum of 3 to 5 years of senior level acquisition experience required
- Considerable knowledge of the types, grades and suppliers of materials, supplies and equipment to be purchased as well as price and market trends
- Considerable knowledge of purchasing principles and practices and of the rules and regulations governing municipal procurement activities
- Ability to prepare specifications, analyze bids and perform other necessary purchasing functions
- Familiarity of fund accounting required. Knowledge of federal, state, and local funding and grant requirements as well as familiarity with community resources preferred
- Proficient computer skills are required in MS Office Suite. Excellent Excel skills a must
- Requires independence and use of initiative and judgment as applies to accounting, business law, and management concepts
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Tribe’s eligibility guidelines.
Training Requirements:
- Must attend all department meetings and other training courses as directed by CFO.
Physical Requirements:
- Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs.
- Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment.
- While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
Mental Requirements:
- Reading, writing, calculating
- Above average social interaction skills
- Reasoning/Analysis
- Works with minimal to no supervision
Language Requirements:
- Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
- Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.
Certificates, Licenses & Registrations:
- All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Submit an application at www.winnebagotribe.com a resume, cover letter, and two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Applications submitted after the closing date or without proper documents will not be considered.
- If claiming Native American or Veteran preference, please include pertinent documentation.
- Call Human Resources at 402-878-2272 for further information.
As provided by Federal Law, all qualified Native American applicants shall receive preference over Non-Native American applicants. In the absence of qualified Native American applicants, consideration will be given to all other applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
