IT Purchaser VII

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•$5,798 - $7,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Procurement and Contracting Services is looking for a Purchaser VII. Performs highly advanced (senior-level) purchasing and procurement work. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees at this level may be considered technical experts in the field and may work on multiple complex purchasing projects simultaneously. Provides strategic direction and oversight on highly complex IT procurement work, including performing some of the most complex IT solicitations and negotiations as well as performing and overseeing some of the most high-impact purchases. May facilitate the development and continuous improvement of departmental systems. Train and/or mentor entry and journey-level purchasers. May serve as team lead. 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 use 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.

Requirements

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 computers 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 in a timely manner.
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.
A minimum of four (4) years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or contract management is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with State of Texas IT procurements is preferred.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business, public administration, finance, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees or initiates the purchase of large scope and high-dollar and highly technical contracts for IT goods and services 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 provided by bidders, and negotiates contract specifications; manages procurement related meetings such as kick off and pre proposal meetings, post award conferences, and evaluation scoring.
Processes requisitions in an automated environment and reviews requisitions for completeness and compliance with applicable requirements prior to processing solicitations; reviews assigned requisitions; research vendors for products and services; prepares, reviews, and facilitates the procurement process.
Monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to purchasing; Uses automated procurement systems.
Identifies purchasing-related issues and works with management, requesters, subject matter experts, stakeholders, agency staff, and other purchasing staff to manage issues; responds to phone and e-mail inquiries from requesters and other staff regarding the status of requisitions; provides assistance to requesters in drafting competitive specifications for commodities and 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.
Prepares or oversees the preparation and distribution of competitive solicitations to vendors; recommends and makes contract awards and suggests additional content for contracts when appropriate.
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.