Purchasing Specialist

State of North Carolina

4d • $39,244 - $68,679 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Purchasing Specialist supports the Operations Unit of the State Laboratory of Public Health by coordinating purchasing activities that ensure timely procurement of goods and services needed for laboratory and facility operations. The role researches product availability, compares pricing and quotes through approved state procurement channels, and documents purchasing actions in accordance with established North Carolina guidelines. It reviews purchase requisitions for accuracy, organizes electronic purchasing records, and maintains documentation required for asset tagging and inventory. The Purchasing Specialist also assists staff by providing clear information on purchasing procedures and supports decision‑making through accurate review and reconciliation of purchasing data. The work requires specialized administrative skills to apply procedural and operational guidelines to purchasing processes.

Requirements

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of related administrative experience OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience using NC e‑Procurement or comparable purchasing systems to research products, compare pricing, and document purchasing actions with intermediate proficiency.
• Consistent track record reviewing purchase requisitions for accuracy and completeness, including verification of required details and correct routing through established procurement processes.
• Proven skill maintaining organized electronic purchasing records, including documentation used for inventory tracking, asset tagging, and audit-ready file management.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing purchasing information to identify discrepancies, reconcile data, and support accurate processing within defined procedures.
• Effective communication experience providing clear purchasing guidance to staff, vendors, or contract owners, including explanation of applicable procurement requirements in both written and verbal formats.

Responsibilities

• Research vendor availability, obtain competitive quotes, and compare pricing using approved state procurement resources such as NC e‑Procurement and Statewide Term Contracts.
• Confirm purchasing actions comply with North Carolina procurement guidelines and maintain organized electronic files documenting each purchase.
• Review and process purchase requisitions for accuracy, completeness, and correct procurement method, providing timely information to staff and contract owners.
• Maintain purchase records and supporting documentation for items requiring asset tagging, inventory tracking, or other audit‑ready records.
• Provide purchasing information to staff to support development of requisitions and ensure the accurate processing of orders.
• Research Statewide and Agency Term Contracts and gather quotes to support cost-effective and compliant purchasing decisions.
• Offer clear guidance to laboratory staff on purchasing requirements and procedures, ensuring consistent understanding across the organization.
• Maintain current knowledge of procurement processes and apply this knowledge to routine and specialized purchasing scenarios.
• Compile, organize, and reconcile purchasing information in accordance with established procedures to support accurate reporting.
• Identify and resolve routine issues in procurement requests or documentation using established guidelines and documented procedures.

Benefits

• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED