Purchaser V - IT

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Job Description

Performs advanced (senior-level) purchasing and procurement work involving planning, organizing, researching, coordinating, and preparing specifications for the purchase of Information Technology (IT) commodities and services. Plans, organizes, coordinates and prepares, or oversees the development of, specifications and procurement documents. Negotiates contract specifications. Prepares procurement documents and maintains, or oversees the maintenance of, detailed records of items purchased, received, prepared, and issued.

Be proactive and anticipate needs, analyze data, and solve procurement issues before they become problems and require management’s intervention. Works within a fluid and ever-changing operating environment. 

Confers with program staff and vendors regarding procurement matters and uses independent judgment to advise internal and external customers. Interact and coordinate with the customer to define specific procurement specifications and develop the appropriate business solutions. 

This position is required to come into the office at least three days per work week. Telework availability is subject to agency policy and procedure.

Essential Job Functions

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(45%) Oversees or initiates the purchase of IT goods and services of a highly technical nature using the most applicable and cost-effective purchasing methods based on laws, rules, policies and established guidelines; develops and oversees the development of solicitations, bid evaluation instruments and other related documents; identifies provider resources, evaluates information supplied by bidders, and negotiates contract specifications; processes requisitions in an automated environment and reviews requisitions for completeness and compliance with applicable requirements prior to processing invitations for bid, requests for quotes, and other solicitations; processes assigned requisitions; research vendors for products and services; prepares, reviews, releases and tracks purchase orders (POs) based on requester needs; uses automated procurement systems; and reviews operational spreadsheets and processes assigned requisitions; monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to purchasing; maintains all required documentation supporting transactions.

(25%) Identifies purchasing-related issues and works with management, requesters, subject matter experts, stakeholders, agency staff, and other purchasing staff to manage issues; provides assistance to requesters in drafting competitive specifications for commodities and services; responds to phone and e-mail inquiries from requesters and other staff regarding the status of requisitions, POs, and the delivery of IT goods or services; provides customer service excellence in alignment with the PCS Customer Service Principles. Actively demonstrates the eight core pillars of customer service: be responsive; set clear and realistic expectations; be transparent; be courteous; be consistent; be resourceful; embrace complaints; and be intentional about continuous improvement.   

(20%) Prepares or oversees the preparation and distribution of competitive solicitations to vendors; and recommends and makes contract awards and suggests additional content for contracts when appropriate.   

(10%) Performs other duties as assigned, such as participating in or providing support for the agency’s disaster response and recovery obligations or Business Continuity Plan activation.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) - certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge Skills Abilities (KSAs)

Expert knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing state purchasing. 

Expert knowledge of IT purchasing and procurement methods and procedures. 

Expert knowledge of state of Texas procurement principles and practices, assigned IT commodity items and supply sources. 

Expert skill in the use of computer and applicable software. 

Expert skill in problem solving, including asking appropriate questions and identifying resources to obtain necessary information. 

Demonstrated ability to logically assemble and evaluate information. 

Demonstrated ability to maintain a system of required record keeping. 

Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing. 

Demonstrated ability to schedule, prioritize, monitor, and complete multiple assignments timely. 

Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team. 

Demonstrated ability to act in a sound, logical, proactive and appropriate manner based on well thought out analysis of situations or problems.    

Must be detail oriented. 

Must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment with competing priorities. 

Must provide customer service excellence. 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Experience Required: A minimum of 1 year of state of Texas purchasing, procurement, or contract management experience. Experience in IT procurement preferred. 

Education Required:  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A major in business, public administration, finance or a related field is preferred. Experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. 

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.