Plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability Responsible for controlling purchasing department budgets Prepare reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs Resolve vendor and contractor grievances, and claims against suppliers Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids Work with external customers to ensure traffic movement and cost reductions Locate and interview vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, in order to determine product availability and terms of sales Maintain records of goods ordered and received Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment Prepare bid awards requiring board approval Negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers