Procurement Specialist - SPD

About the Department

Applications accepted from:  ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Classification: Procurement Specialist - SPD
Department: Finance - Strategic Procurement Division
Reporting Location: 611 Walker St.  *Subject to change*
Workdays & Hours: MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM *Subject to change*

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
The Procurement Specialist procures complex and highly technical materials, equipment and services on a competitive basis and creates contract specifications and standards for the City or a large City department characterized by industrial and/or high-tech operations and/or facilities.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Researches, writes, reviews and evaluates purchase orders, contracts and bid specifications for complex and highly technical materials, equipment and services ensuring completeness, accuracy and compliance with City and departmental policies and procedures. 
• Assigns work, trains and provides guidance to buyers and support staff. Typically supervises and evaluates buyers and support staff.
• Confers with department’s engineering, operations, maintenance and other technical personnel to develop detailed and technical specifications.
• Researches and recommends type and quality of materials, supplies and equipment.
• Conducts pre-bid meetings and explains and interprets specifications and standards to vendors and department and City officials. Ensures bid invitations are distributed and bid opening dates are advertised.
• Reviews bids, contracts and proposals for content and conformance to specifications and for Minority/Women’s Business Enterprise (M/WBE) capabilities. Compares price quotes.
• Researches vendors and evaluates their ability to provide and the availability of quality materials, equipment and services. Arranges for and administers tests of materials and equipment to ensure they meet specifications and standards.
• Selects the most advantageous bid. Ensures delivery is schedules and expedites.
• Researches and keeps updated on industry standards, types, features and quality of products, suppliers and other information by reviewing catalogs, technical and industrial publications and other sources.
• Develops, interprets, assesses and revises departmental procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with State laws and City policies.
• Conducts investigations and research to resolve inquiries, complaints and bid protests from the public and vendors.
• Participates in long-range purchase planning and needs analysis to simplify and standardize service and commodity types and reduce costs.

 
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Position Duties

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Materials Management, Engineering, Purchasing, or a field closely related to the work being performed.
 
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 
Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in purchasing technical materials, equipment and/or services or performing cost benefit and/or specification analyses are required.

Professional purchasing experience may substitute for the above education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
 
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS 
None

Minimum Qualifications

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.** 

Other Qualifications

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Department may administer skills assessment test.
 
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - NO
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
 
SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.  
   
PAY GRADE: 24
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
 
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-6020.
 
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-6020. (TTY 7-1-1).  If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
   
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
   
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
 
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Benefits

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
 

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCity of HoustonAddress 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002 Website https://www.houstontx.gov/