The Purchasing Department is created for the purpose of providing a "checks and balances" system for expenditure of public funds. The Purchasing Department strives to maintain consistent and open communication with the vendor community and the various supported County departments and agencies.
Every effort is made to operate in an efficient and economical manner consistent with existing laws and sound business practices.
What you will do at Harris County Purchasing Department:
Under general supervision and guidance, the Buyer purchases goods, and services less than or equal to $50,000 for assigned commodities and coordinates the preparation and execution of sole source, personal/professional services, and maintenance agreements. The Buyer is Harris County’s representative to the supplier base in efforts to satisfy end user requirements for these goods and services. The Buyer may occasionally generate specifications, evaluate offers and bids and write award recommendations for procurements over $50,000. The Buyer is knowledgeable of all rules and regulations governing each purchasing process utilized by Harris County.
Essential Functions and Duties:
Solicit informal quotes for goods and services priced less than or equal to $50,000.
Process purchase orders and addenda for purchases less than or equal to $50,000.
Coordinate and expedites preparation and execution of agreements with the County Attorney, department, and vendor.
Works with the departments and vendors to resolve any purchase order/delivery/quality issues when necessary.
Seek out new vendors, including HUB vendors, on a weekly basis.
Advises end users of procurement options available, product availability and market place changes relating to their requirements.
Coordinate with Senior Buyers, Contract Administrators, and Assistant Purchasing Agent in determining where term contracts may be applicable and work toward developing specifications with supervisors.
Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as directed by the course and scope of the job.
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net .
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education & Experience:
Associate degree in directly related field from an accredited college or university
Two (2) years of experience as a buyer or similar field.
OR
High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
Four (4) years of experience as a buyer or similar field.
Knowledge Skills, and Abilities:
Excellent interaction skills: ability to interact assertively and effectively with a wide variety of people and personalities
Excellent planning and organization skills to manage your work schedule and meet deadlines
Ability to work in a team environment and solve problems/issues
Ability to adapt and be flexible to respond to changing work situations and environments
Negotiation skills to communicate effectively with clients or suppliers
Basic knowledge and understanding of each informal purchasing process as utilized by Harris County and knowledge of procurement laws and purchasing policies.
Excellent communication skills verbal and written; strong, active listening skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook
Ability to develop specification writing skills required for advancement into Senior Buyer position
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Harris Health Office Building - 4800 Fournace Place W516, Bellaire, TX 77401
Reporting Relationships:
Reports To Position: Assistant Purchasing Agent Supervises Positions: None
Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
This position is based in an office environment, where the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, and filing cabinets is routine.
The physical demands associated with this job are minimal, with occasional lifting and moving of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
The role is predominantly sedentary, involving mainly sitting with occasional standing and walking.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries
Government Administration
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