Procurement Specialist

Position Overview Join to apply for the Procurement Specialist - SPD role at City of Houston. 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 departments 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/Womens 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 scheduled 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. Minimum Requirements 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. Preferences 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. Selection / Skills Tests Required Department may administer skills assessment test. Safety Impact Position NO. Salary Information Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidates 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) 393-6051. If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-6051. (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. EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr