Purchasing Agent (Gastonia, NC)

Benefits

• Annual incentive bonus plan
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with low deductible/low cost health plan
• Generous vacation and sick time accrual
• 12 paid holidays
• State Retirement (pension plan)
• 401(k) Plan with employer match
• Company‑paid life and disability insurance
• Wellness programs
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer

Office location: Gastonia, NC (available). Hiring range depends on experience. Closing date: open until filled.

Primary Purpose

This position is responsible for the procurement of supplies, fixed assets, facility improvement, and professional services, which must be completed in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as defined by N.C. G.S. 143.129 – 143.131. The role requires a high‑level working knowledge of state and federal procurement laws, purchasing practices, and the quality of goods/commodities and/or services being purchased, as well as accounting principles related to purchasing needs. The incumbent implements established rules and regulations, reviews work for compliance, and may propose procedural changes or policy revisions. The position performs professional work of advanced difficulty in the technical and administrative functions for the purchasing activities of local government, including purchasing and contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Procurement (60%): Manage all purchasing of LME/MCO compliant with statutory requirements and local government policies; handle equipment leases and maintenance; initiate contracts; process and track purchase orders while coordinating with the Senior Accountant to ensure budget availability; maintain a central supply database for all agency locations; assist staff with online purchases; provide training and guidance on financial procedures; control agency credit cards and vendor charge cards; negotiate pricing with vendors and state purchasing; generate requests for proposals or bids as required; manage fleet fuel accounts; uphold the integrity of the public procurement process; analyze procurement activities and recommend improvements such as e‑procurement, privatization, quantity discounts, standardization, value analysis, or cooperative purchasing; maintain accurate records of solicitations, responses, purchases, contracts, and correspondence; liaise with consultants, contractors, and suppliers to communicate procurement policies; review and execute purchase orders, contracts, change orders, and related documents within delegated authority; edit requisitions and coordinate with departments on specifications, quantity, quality, and delivery; recommend alternatives for greater value.
• Management of Fixed Assets (20%): Work with the Facility Director to schedule and facilitate annual inventory of all agency locations; provide updated inventory to the Financial Services Specialist for fixed‑asset maintenance.
• Accounting/General Ledger (15%): Ensure proper expense account coding of all purchase orders for the accounts payable technician; maintain all purchase order files; request W‑9 forms from vendors as needed.
• Other (5%): Assist auditors during the annual fiscal audit as needed; serve as primary backup to the Accounts Payable technician as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of North Carolina governmental purchasing rules and regulations
• General knowledge of accounting and auditing principles and practices
• Understanding of standardized accounting practices adopted by State Government and ability to apply them
• Working knowledge of accounting software
• Ability to interpret and analyze accounting data and apply analysis to departmental or institutional needs, ensuring compliance with relevant guidelines, rules, regulations, and laws
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of related agencies, departmental staff, and the public
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• High level of accounting skill
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Education and Experience

• Required: Associate’s Degree in Accounting or Business and/or three (3) years of experience in a business or governmental agency
• Preferred: Local Government Purchasing Certification