OCA - Purchaser IV

About the role

The Office of Court Administration (OCA) is a unique state agency in the Judicial Branch that operates under the direction and supervision of the Supreme Court of Texas and the Chief Justice. Our mission is to provide resources and information for the efficient administration of the Judicial Branch of Texas.

This position serves as a Purchaser in the Finance and Operations Division of the Office of Court Administration. Performs highly complex (senior level) purchasing and procurement work. Primary duties involve procuring commodities, equipment, and services using guidelines, rules, policies, and laws. Maintains detailed records of requisitions, purchase orders, and correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Reviews requisitions for completeness and research vendor pricing for products and services in accordance with Comptroller rules.
• Enters requisitions into the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
• Processes procurements using the most applicable and cost-effective purchasing methods based on laws, policies, and guidelines.
• Responds to phone and e-mail inquiries from requesters and other staff regarding the status of requisitions, purchase orders, and the delivery of goods; and promptly resolves purchasing-related issues.
• May support Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB) outreach and assists agency with meeting VetHUB goals.
• Assists with writing or obtaining clear specifications for goods and services.
• Prepares and distributes bid invitations to vendors
• Assists with and provides guidance on the processing of competitive procurements in accordance with purchasing rules and guidelines.
• Performs bid tabulations and evaluates information or bid responses.
• Assists with negotiating best value and award determination.
• May gather, review, and/or submit various purchasing reports; including but not limited to state-use, contracts, SB20, and vendor performance.
• Assists in development of new vendor relationships and participates in vendor forums.
• Assists with monitoring legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to purchasing and procurements.
• Assists in writing procedures related to agency processes for purchasing, receiving and procurement reports
• Maintains thorough knowledge of State purchasing rules and regulations.
• May train agency staff regarding purchasing and procurement practices and policies.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism and provides efficient and effective customer service.
• Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule.
• Performs related work as assigned and complies with all OCA policies.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

• Three (3) years of full-time purchasing experience for a state agency.
• Experience utilizing an automated purchasing system (CAPPS or Peoplesoft).
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification or must be obtained within six months of starting this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years of full-time State of Texas purchasing experience.
• Experience with Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
• Currently holds a CTCD certification.
• Currently a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).

Skills

• Knowledge and experience with purchasing methods and procedures.
• Knowledge and experience with formal, competitive solicitations for a State of Texas agency.
• Knowledge and experience with principles of accounting and business.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in effective written and verbal communication.
• Skill in exercising sound judgement and effective decision making.
• Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment.
• Ability to maintain CTCD and/or CTCM certification.