Procurement Specialist

Job Duties

• Support procurement activities, including assisting with the preparation of specifications, developing price schedules, and preparing solicitation documents.
• Ensure all procurement actions comply with city policies and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Research products, vendors, and market trends to assess price fluctuations, risks, and potential opportunities to guide purchasing decisions.
• Aid in reviewing, executing, and negotiating contracts and purchase orders to ensure compliance with legal and organizational standards.
• Provide technical assistance to departments by offering guidance on procurement needs for goods and services.
• Create detailed specifications and pricing matrices for procurement, supporting the evaluation and selection process.
• Assist in the design and delivery of training on procurement policies and procedures, mentoring both city employees and suppliers.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and debriefings on procurement activities and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Afford assistance in evaluating complex procurements and contribute to determining solicitation methods.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Experience: At least four (4) years of professional experience in purchasing, procurement, or contracting, with a focus on preparing solicitations and contracts.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• In-depth knowledge of energy management programs across federal, state, and local entities, including regulatory and policy frameworks that impact utility prices and demand.
• Well-versed in sustainability, resilience, climate change, and environmental issues, particularly those affecting climate programs in Harris County.
• Highly skilled in computers & related software applications, along with familiarity with other projects management software, enabling effective data analysis, reporting, and presentation.
• Strong capability in conducting detailed analysis, making projections, and solving complex problems.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and maintain organization in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders, both internal and external, to drive project success and achieve organizational goals.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement

• In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols.
• The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:
• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
• Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

Preferences

• Education: Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPM) are preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of experience in county government procurement, demonstrating knowledge of county-specific procurement processes, regulations, and operational requirements.

General Information

• Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work: Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.
• Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.
• Salary: Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure

• Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some field work may be required.
• May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event).
• This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs., as well as frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Wellness.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 457 deferred compensation plans.
• Retailment pension (TCDRS).
• Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).
• Disability and life insurance.
• Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).