Complex Procurement Specialist

Department of Public Safety • Austin, TX

17h • $6,000 - $6,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Performs highly advanced senior-level consultative services and technical assistance work on complex procurements for the Laboratory Business Operations Unit of the Public Health Laboratory Division. Serves as specialized support for specific laboratory areas and is responsible for gaining an understanding of laboratory workflows and needs in order to translate highly technical needs into layman’s terms for procurement documents. Coordinates long-term planning and evaluation of complex procurements and contracts. Initiates required forms for complex procurements such as requests for proprietary justifications, statements of work, and emergency procurements. Coordinates complex procurement issues for further review and action. Works with lab staff to periodically review and update processes and assess and implement improvements. Works under limited supervision of the Complex Procurement Group Manager, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others, which may include serving in a team lead capacity. This is a hybrid position working in the office 2 days per week which is subject to change. This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.

Requirements

• At least 2 years’ experience in purchasing or contracts, including coordinating complex procurements such as Request for Procurement, Request for Information, Request for Quote, Invitation for Bid, or similar.
• Experience providing consultative and technical assistance to management or staff.
• Experience in customer service.
• Experience preparing reports.
• Experience developing and editing written procurement and/or contract-related materials.
• Knowledge Of Local, state, and federal laws related to purchasing and complex procurements.
• Knowledge of Agency, state, and federal policies and procedures related to complex procurement activities.
• Skill In Proofreading, editing, and checking work for accuracy.
• Skill in Effective listening, training, and technical assistance.
• Skill in Use of standard office equipment and software applications, including Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and intermediate Excel.
• Skill in Strategic planning and resource management.
• Skill in Decision-making, negotiation, organization, prioritizing workflow, managing multiple tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in Evaluating, developing, and analyzing reports.
• Skill in Analyzing complex issues, drawing conclusions, and initiating actions to solve problems.
• Skill in Planning and coordinating the work of others.
• Skill in Gathering, correlating, and analyzing facts.
• Skill in Devising solutions to problems.
• Skill in Communicating effectively verbally and in writing for the audience.
• Ability To Learn agency software systems, including CAPPS Financials and System of Contract Operation and Reporting.
• Ability to Learn laboratory organizations, business procedures, functions, roles, and responsibilities.
• Ability to Work independently and with a team while actively supporting supervisor and co-workers in common goals and department directives.
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) required or must be obtained within the first year of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience in strategic planning, forecasting, or resource management.
• Preferred experience working in a fast-paced and high-volume work environment.
• Preferred experience serving as a liaison between State of Texas program areas and vendors.
• Preferred experience in purchasing or contracts within the State of Texas system.

Responsibilities

• Plans, prioritizes, and performs highly advanced consultative services and technical assistance work on complex procurements for the Public Health Laboratory Division.
• Serves as specialized support for specific laboratory areas, translates technical needs into layman’s terms for procurement documents, and guides Division staff and management in planning and executing complex procurements, contracts, laboratory supplies/services, and purchase order activities.
• Coordinates long-term planning and evaluation of complex procurements.
• Initiates required forms, including proprietary justifications, statements of work, and emergency procurements.
• Serves as lead writer and editor of Statements of Work, assesses procurement methods and requirements, researches agency systems, creates reports/graphs, establishes timelines, and follows up to ensure procurements and contracts are established on time.
• Coordinates and leads Division activities, planning, and special projects related to complex procurements.
• Coordinates procurement issues for review and action, meets with applicable state and/or federal staff or entities, represents Division leadership when requested, prepares briefing documents and analyses, reviews policies and instructions, and serves as liaison with division, agency, budget, contract, grant, accounting, legal, and purchasing staff.
• Works with lab staff to review and update processes and implement improvements.
• Communicates policy and procedure changes related to complex procurements.
• Cross-trains and supports shared inboxes, CAPPS Financials support, purchase requisitions/orders, adjustments, billing, invoices, training, training materials, and other management priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or continuity of operations activation.
• Complies with DSHS Lab and local, state, and federal guidelines to support a safe functioning laboratory.

Benefits

• insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed