Complex Procurement Specialist

About the role

The Complex Procurement Specialist is responsible for performing highly advanced senior-level consultative services and technical assistance work on complex procurements for the Laboratory Business Operations Unit of the Public Health Laboratory Division. They serve as specialized support for specific laboratory areas and coordinate long-term planning and evaluation of complex procurements.

Responsibilities

• EJF 1 — 35%: Plans, prioritizes, and performs highly advanced consultative services and technical assistance work on complex procurements for the Public Health Laboratory Division. Serves as specialized support for specific laboratory areas, translates technical needs into layman’s terms for procurement documents, and guides Division staff and management in planning and executing complex procurements, contracts, laboratory supplies/services, and purchase order activities.
• EJF 2 — 25%: Coordinates long-term planning and evaluation of complex procurements. Initiates required forms, including proprietary justifications, statements of work, and emergency procurements. Serves as lead writer and editor of Statements of Work, assesses procurement methods and requirements, researches agency systems, creates reports/graphs, establishes timelines, and follows up to ensure procurements and contracts are established on time.
• EJF 3 — 25%: Coordinates and leads Division activities, planning, and special projects related to complex procurements. Coordinates procurement issues for review and action, meets with applicable state and/or federal staff or entities, represents Division leadership when requested, prepares briefing documents and analyses, reviews policies and instructions, and serves as liaison with division, agency, budget, contract, grant, accounting, legal, and purchasing staff.
• EJF 4 — 10%: Works with lab staff to review and update processes and implement improvements. Communicates policy and procedure changes related to complex procurements. Cross-trains and supports shared inboxes, CAPPS Financials support, purchase requisitions/orders, adjustments, billing, invoices, training, training materials, and other management priorities.
• EJF 5 — 5%: Performs other duties as assigned, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or continuity of operations activation. Complies with DSHS Lab and local, state, and federal guidelines to support a safe functioning laboratory.

Requirements

At least 2 years’ experience in purchasing or contracts, including coordinating complex procurements such as Request for Procurement, Request for Information, Request for Quote, Invitation for Bid, or similar.

Experience providing consultative and technical assistance to management or staff.

Experience in customer service.

Experience preparing reports.

Experience developing and editing written procurement and/or contract-related materials.

Preferred experience in strategic planning, forecasting, or resource management.

Preferred experience working in a fast-paced and high-volume work environment.

Preferred experience serving as a liaison between State of Texas program areas and vendors.

Preferred experience in purchasing or contracts within the State of Texas system.

Qualifications

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) required or must be obtained within the first year of employment.

Skills

• Proofreading, editing, and checking work for accuracy.
• Effective listening, training, and technical assistance.
• Use of standard office equipment and software applications, including Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and intermediate Excel.
• Strategic planning and resource management.
• Decision-making, negotiation, organization, prioritizing workflow, managing multiple tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Evaluating, developing, and analyzing reports.
• Analyzing complex issues, drawing conclusions, and initiating actions to solve problems.
• Planning and coordinating the work of others.
• Gathering, correlating, and analyzing facts.
• Devising solutions to problems.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing for the audience.

Benefits

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

Pay

$6,000.00 - $6,200.00

Schedule

Day