Buyer- Harris County Office of Purchasing

Harris County (TX)•Houston, TX

59d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Buyer plays a vital role in optimizing the supply chain management for the Harris County Purchasing Office, this includes managing supplier relationships, and ensuring cost effectiveness while maintaining the quality standards of the organization. Individuals in this role will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing goods and services necessary for the organization's operations. The Buyer must possess analytical capabilities to discern market trends, pricing, and supplier performance, strong negotiation skills, as well as the ability to recognize and resolve procurement-related challenges.

Requirements

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
Two (2) years of relevant experience in areas related to purchasing, sourcing, or purchase order management
OR:
Associates degree in directly related field from an accredited college or university
Four (4) years of relevant experience in areas related to purchasing, sourcing, or purchase order management
OR:
High School Diploma or GED
Six (6) years of relevant experience in areas related topurchasing, sourcing, or purchase order management.
Knowledge of contracts and contracting processes.
Proficient with Microsoft Suite and designated Purchasing systems.
Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Proven negotiation and influencing skills.
Strong relationship management skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout the organization.
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management both written and oral.
Ability to prioritize and manage a high quantity of purchasing transactions without sacrificing quality.

Nice To Haves

Prior purchasing/procurement experience (preferred)

Responsibilities

Sourcing: Supports the Purchasing Office by sourcing contract and non-contract items. This includes formal and informal solicitations for one-time and renewal contract purchases.
Purchase and Change Orders: Manages a queue of requisitions in the designated system(s) to create and issue Purchase Orders, ensuring they are compliant with contractual terms and requirements and that all documentation is accurate. As well as collaborating with Departments to review requisitions and make any necessary updates, and reviewing and processing Change Orders as necessary, while actively working to enhance the organization's purchasing process.
Stakeholder Communication: Provides status and progress in a clear and timely manner, while actively managing and maintaining stakeholder expectations in relation to orders.
Conflict Resolution: Assists in resolving issues related to procurement transactions, including resolving solutions for vendor-client conflicts arising from purchases, and providing support for resolving Accounts Payable (AP) issues as needed.
Vendor Management: Assist in process improvements, and compliance-related activities to align with County goals, while also requesting vendor setup and master changes as required, and managing and maintaining the vendor catalog content within the purchasing system.
Purchasing Support: Promotes utilization of the purchasing system platform across the organization by leading educational efforts and providing support and guidance as necessary.
Quality and Cost Control: Collaborates with internal team members to ensure products, materials, and services meet the quality standard set by Purchasing and Harris County, while actively monitoring, amending, and recommending alternative products for cost savings as necessary.

Benefits

Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Wellness Plan
Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
One (1) floating holiday per year
Paid Parental Leave
Sick Leave
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Professional learning & development opportunities
Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
Flexible work schedule
METRO RideSponsor Program