Senior Analyst, Category - Harris County Office of Purchasing Agent

Harris County (TX)•Houston, TX

30d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Analyst, Category is a senior-level analytical role responsible for conducting complex data-driven evaluations of Harris County's procurement categories. This role supports the strategic execution of category management by improving visibility into departmental spend, enhancing data integrity (e.g., coding and classification), and supporting category planning through research, forecasting, and recommendations. This position plays a key role in ensuring that procurement is aligned with budget priorities and compliance goals by providing clear, actionable insights through spend analysis, economic research, and market evaluation. Under the supervision of Category leadership, the Analyst will lead cross-functional coordination, guide departmental stakeholders, and present complex data in clear formats for executive audiences.

Requirements

PhD or Master's Degree in a directly related field (such as Accounting, Analytics, Business, Economics, Finance, Public Administration, or Supply Chain), and Three (3) years of experience in analytics related to procurement, finance, or operational data within a large, complex organization; public sector preferred.
Bachelor's Degree in a directly related field (such as Accounting, Analytics, Business, Economics, Finance, Public Administration, or Supply Chain), and Four (4) years of experience in analytics related to procurement, finance, or operational data within a large, complex organization; public sector preferred.
Associate's degree in a directly related field and Six (6) years of experience in analytics related to procurement, finance, or operational data within a large, complex organization; public sector preferred.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and data modeling; ability to build and maintain analytical dashboards to support procurement tracking, spend visibility, and forecasting.
Experience applying geospatial analysis, scenario modeling, and data visualization techniques to identify demand hotspots, evaluate sourcing strategies, and support category-level planning.
Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal procurement laws, including compliance requirements, purchasing thresholds, and public accountability standards relevant to county government operations.
Expertise in public sector financial reporting, including budget reconciliation, NIGP coding, and general ledger account classification for accurate spend analysis and transparent reporting.
Familiarity with government ERP systems, procurement platforms, and data tools used for tracking contracts, purchase orders, and vendor performance.
Effective analytical, organizational, and communication skills to coordinate with internal departments, vendors, and cross-functional teams. Able to synthesize complex data into clear recommendations for diverse audiences.
Strong problem-solving and issue-resolution skills to identify discrepancies in coding, procurement workflows, or contract usage, and propose practical data-based solutions in real time.

Nice To Haves

Public sector experience
Procurement experience

Responsibilities

Supports category management through advanced data analysis, leveraging procurement systems, spend data, and research tools to monitor category performance and expenditures.
Ensures accurate application of NIGP codes and general ledger account codes to facilitate transparent reporting and compliance with local, state, and federal procurement standards.
Collaborates with Sourcing Managers, Contract Managers, and departmental stakeholders to develop data-driven recommendations and policies that enhance sourcing efficiency and contract outcomes.
Conducts structured market research and cost analysis to evaluate vendor performance, pricing trends, and supply chain risks across product and service categories.
Develops departmental spend forecasts to support category-specific acquisition planning and identify potential consolidation opportunities.
Generates actionable market intelligence reports that promote regulatory compliance, public accountability, and cost-effective sourcing decisions.
Monitors contract spending, purchase orders, and usage reports to ensure accurate financial tracking and optimize contract utilization.
Validates NIGP classifications and general ledger account codes to support transparent and compliant reporting.
Collaborates with the data analytics team to maintain accuracy in procurement data and ensure consistent dissemination of spend reports, dashboards, and analytical outputs across departments.
Coordinates with internal stakeholders, departments, suppliers, and Purchasing colleagues to support vendor communication, contract execution, and procurement activity aligned with category objectives.
Participates in vendor and departmental meetings to exchange data, address issues, and ensure alignment between operational needs and contract terms.
Provides subject matter expertise related to procurement data, category research, and project execution.
Supports short- and long-term category planning by conducting spend analysis, identifying geographic or operational risks, and evaluating the strategic importance of goods and services.
Assists in developing performance metrics and identifying contingency options such as alternative suppliers or cooperative contracts to improve resilience, reduce cost, and align with Harris County's procurement goals.
Analyzes category and industry pricing trends to support informed sourcing decisions and identify cost optimization opportunities.
Develops pricing models, cost-benefit analyses, and data-driven business cases to assist management in evaluating contract strategies, cooperative agreements, and acquisition timing.

Benefits

Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Wellness Plan
Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
One (1) floating holiday per year
Paid Parental Leave
Sick Leave
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Professional learning & development opportunities
Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
Flexible work schedule
METRO RideSponsor Program