Buyer- Harris County Office of Purchasing Agent

Harris County • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer I performs professional-level procurement functions involving the acquisition of goods and services for Harris County. This position supports county-wide operations serving approximately 5 million residents, 20,000 employees in 80 departments, roughly $5.5B annual expenditures, and 18,500 purchase orders. The Buyer I exercises discretion and independent judgment in applying procurement laws, policies, and procedures to assigned purchasing activities of moderate complexity primarily below formal threshold and above threshold when applicable. The role supports County operations through compliant, timely, and best-value purchasing decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard office technology required.
• Knowledge of public procurement principles and practices for the acquisition of goods and services, including competitive and non-competitive methods and best-value concepts.
• Knowledge of applicable procurement laws, policies, and procedures, including Texas Local Government Code Chapter 262 and County requirements.
• Skill in analyzing specifications, pricing, and market conditions, including price, cost, and market analysis to support purchasing decisions.
• Skill in developing solicitation documents and evaluating vendor responses, including documenting findings and preparing award recommendations.
• Skill in professional communication, including written correspondence and verbal coordination with vendors, departments, and internal stakeholders regarding procurement requirements.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment within delegated authority, manage multiple assignments, maintain complete procurement files suitable for audit review, and support timely, compliant procurement outcomes.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting department relations, high-frequency activity volumes, or general procurement functions preferred.
• Prior purchasing/procurement experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently manages assigned procurements from requisition through award within delegated authority, determining the appropriate procurement method and developing solicitation documents.
• Conducts price, cost, and market analysis and evaluates vendor responses.
• Prepares award recommendations and maintains complete procurement files suitable for audit review.
• Administers contracts post-award, including renewals and amendments.
• Ensures compliance with Texas Local Government Code Chapter 262, County policies and provides guidance to departments regarding procurement requirements.
• Participates in process improvement and training initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level