Procurement Specialist I

Montgomery County•Norristown, PA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

This is a specialist-level position within the Office of Procurement. Under general supervision, performs purchasing assignments by procuring and expediting a variety of materials, supplies, and equipment for use by all County agencies. Develops sources of supply and formal Requests for Quotation for items for use by all County agencies. This involves vendor contact as well as contact with most County Departments. The position instructs users as to processes and policies within the Office of Procurement.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of local government purchasing methods, techniques, principles, practices, and legal requirements for procuring commodities and services.
Working knowledge of the functions, organization, operations, commodities, services, and supplier markets applicable to County departments and agencies.
Ability to prepare detailed specifications for formal bidding, process purchasing activities, reconcile purchase orders and invoices, and manage inventory control accurately.
Demonstrated ability to resolve purchasing discrepancies, clarify bid or requisition issues, and follow up with departments or vendors to ensure timely and compliant outcomes.
Strong judgment, attention to detail, and accuracy in processing purchasing transactions, invoices, tax exemption certificates, and related financial documentation.
Willingness and ability to assume additional responsibilities as assigned and adapt to changing operational needs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County departments, coworkers, and suppliers using principles of sound customer service and professionalism.
Commitment to ethical conduct, confidentiality, dependability, and compliance with the County Employee Code of Ethics, including reliability in attendance and timeliness.
Proficiency in maintaining purchasing records, using office equipment and technology, and processing documentation efficiently within established systems.
Effective communication skills, including answering phones, greeting visitors, and maintaining a professional, business-like manner in written and verbal interactions.
Four years of experience in purchasing/contract experience.
OR Two years of experience as described above and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Purchasing, or related field.
OR An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Knowledgeable in the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software systems.
Working knowledge of Pennsylvania Department of General Services contracts and other cooperative purchasing agreements.
Ability to effectively multitask and manage competing priorities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams; and the ability to adapt to new software, systems and technology tools as needed.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or equivalent certifications, or the ability to obtain within three years of hire.

Responsibilities

Procuring and expediting a variety of materials, supplies, and equipment for use by all County agencies.
Developing sources of supply and formal Requests for Quotation for items for use by all County agencies.
Instructing users as to processes and policies within the Office of Procurement.
Preparing detailed specifications for formal bidding.
Processing purchasing activities.
Reconciling purchase orders and invoices.
Managing inventory control accurately.
Resolving purchasing discrepancies.
Clarifying bid or requisition issues.
Following up with departments or vendors to ensure timely and compliant outcomes.
Maintaining purchasing records.
Using office equipment and technology.
Processing documentation efficiently within established systems.