Procurement Specialist - Cornhusker State Industries

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

21d • $24

About The Position

Help support safety and quality of life across the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) by ensuring fair, compliant, and competitive procurement for goods and services. In this fast paced role supporting Cornhusker State Industries (CSI), you’ll apply state procurement policies, collaborate across teams, and work with diverse products and processes. Success requires strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and excellent communication skills. You’ll also benefit from meaningful work that supports public safety, opportunities to grow your procurement expertise, a collaborative team environment, stable employment, and the chance to support reentry initiatives that provide meaningful work and skill development. Information about the Department can be found at: www.corrections.nebraska.gov. For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please contact Megan Jones at [email protected].

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, procurement, supply/inventory operations or related field AND procurement related experience.
• Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Applicants accepting a job offer must pass the following pre-employment exams in this order: medical exam, and at a randomly announced time, pass a drug test.
• Once at the Staff Training Academy, must successfully complete the fully paid NE Corrections Training Program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Microsoft Office software to include proficiency in Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Use of Enterprise One or similar enterprise-wide ERP/database software.
• Experience in obtaining quotes or preparing agreements for maintenance, repairs, equipment, janitorial, vending, or other building/grounds/equipment related services.
• Accounting experience.

Responsibilities

• Review purchase requests to ensure clear specifications, compliance with requirements, and appropriate procurement methods based on cost, urgency, and competition.
• Identify and solicit vendors; obtain and evaluate written quotes, bids, and proposals using open market, informal, and formal procurement processes.
• Analyze pricing, discounts, delivery schedules, transportation costs, and vendor performance; negotiate with suppliers and recommend the most advantageous offers.
• Prepare detailed Requests for Quotation (RFQs), issue amendments when needed, and develop final contracts with supporting documentation and award recommendations.
• Create and manage purchase orders, confirm orders against established contracts, and perform post‑award follow‑up to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment.
• Collaborate with CSI manufacturing, warehouse, inventory control, and NDCS accounting teams to support operations and resolve procurement related issues.
• Participate in technical review committees, pre‑award meetings, and service walkthroughs as directed; consult with supervisors on complex or unusual procurement situations.
• Maintain effective verbal and written communication to support professional, productive working relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life.
• Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
• Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer!
• Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status.
• For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

What This Job Offers

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