Senior Buyer - Harris County Office of Purchasing Agent

Senior Buyer

About Harris County Purchasing Department : Accountability, Ethics, Impartiality, Professionalism, Service, Transparency

The Purchasing Department is created for the purpose of providing a "checks and balances" system for expenditure of public funds. The Purchasing Department strives to maintain consistent and open communication with the vendor community and the various supported County departments and agencies. Every effort is made to operate in an efficient and economical manner consistent with existing laws and sound business practices.

What you will do at Harris County Purchasing Department : Under limited supervision and guidance, the Senior Buyer purchases goods and services using the competitive bid procedure for assigned commodities for procurements over $50,000 and coordinates the preparation and execution of agreements. The Senior Buyer generates specifications, evaluates bid responses, and prepares award recommendations. The Senior Buyer is knowledgeable of all rules and regulations governing each purchasing process utilized by Harris County.

Essential Functions and Duties :

• Prepares specifications describing product / service requirements with limited supervision.
• Manages assigned projects through the appropriate procurement process and processes purchase orders and addenda for assigned projects.
• Evaluates bid responses and participates in the evaluation committee process.
• Prepares clear and concise award recommendation letters for Commissioners Court or other governing body for Purchasing Agent signature.
• Coordinates and expedites preparation and execution of agreements with the County Attorney, department, and vendors.
• Assists Buyers with procedural questions.
• Advises end users of procurement options available, product availability and marketplace changes relating to their requirements.
• Liaisons between departments and vendors which includes monitoring contracts, collaborating with departments and vendors to resolve performance issues, maintaining updated vendor files that includes documentation of supplier performance, and conducting department or vendor site visits as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education & Experience : Bachelor's degree in directly related field from an accredited college or university OR Four (4) years of related procurement / purchasing experience OR Eight (8) years of related procurement / purchasing experience

Knowledge Skills, and Abilities : Thorough knowledge of all rules and regulations governing each informal and formal purchasing processes utilized by Harris County. Ability to manage complex projects with limited supervision. Excellent planning, time-management, and organization skills Ability to manage and prioritize work to meet deadlines. Ability to self-motivate and take initiative. Results-driven and detail-oriented. Excellent communication skills verbal and written; strong, active listening skills. Excellent interaction skills : ability to interact assertively and effectively with a wide variety of people and personalities. Negotiation skills to communicate effectively with clients and suppliers. Ability to work in a team environment to solve problems / issues. Ability to adapt and be flexible to respond to changing work situations and environments. Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook

NOTE : Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Experience : Three (3)+ years extensive purchasing experience in government procurement (preferred)

Licensure : National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), Certified Procurement Professional (CPP), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or other professional procurement certification / designation (preferred)

General Information

Position Type, Hours and Salary : Regular | Full-Time Monday - Friday from 7 : 30 am to 4 : 30 pm Compensation Range : Based on experience

Location : Harris County Building, Office of the Purchasing Agent 1111 Fannin St 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77002

Reporting Relationships : Reports To Position : Director Supervises Positions : None

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure : 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 is based in an office environment, where the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, and filing cabinets is routine. The physical demands associated with this job are minimal, with occasional lifting and moving of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. The role is predominantly sedentary, involving mainly sitting with occasional standing and walking.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.