Senior Purchasing Specialist

Reporting directly to a Purchasing Manager, responsible for performing advanced purchasing tasks that support the daily operations of the Williamson County Purchasing Department.

• Leads projects and trains new staff to department standards and quality expectations
• Assures that anticipated expenditures are legal and properly authorized prior to encumbering funds and best value is achieved for purchases
• Analyzes high volume materials and services to determine the best sourcing strategy between competitive bid and cooperative purchasing methods
• Works with vendors/contractors to aid their understanding of the purchasing requirements for local governmental entities
• Prepares and administers complex and high dollar invitation for bid and request proposals, with minimal supervision
• Facilitates Proposal Evaluations with evaluation committees and vendor presentations
• Reviews and analyzes vendor award information and processes award recommendation for Commissioners Court award
• Meets with departments on large purchases for fiscal year
• Serves as liaison for department heads on formal solicitation process
• Processes requisitions and approvals of purchase orders up to $100,000
• Research, reviews, and assists in the development of complex contracts, assures proper documentation is obtained such as insurance documents, bonds etc., and prepares for agenda item placement
• Processes sole source requests and prepares them for Commissioners Court placement
• Serves as primary contact for internal and external customers on solicitations and large purchase agreements during the solicitation process
• Reviews and collects supporting documentation for requisition approval processing
• Collaborates with county’s budget and audit office to ensure expenditures are properly authorized
• Performs quality control of various documents and ensure they meet purchasing policies and compliance implemented by federal, state, and local laws
• Maintains all electronic and physical purchasing files
• Provides customer service to customers and staff via telephone, email or in person
• Attends all meetings and trainings, as required
• Performs special duties as assigned

Facilities Maintenance and Construction Assignment (in addition to duties listed above)

• Supports the Facilities Management department with professional services and facilities maintenance and construction contracting

Organization Relationships

• Reports directly to – Purchasing Manager
• Direct Reports – No

Physical Demands

• Position involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, visual examination of documents, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, standing and occasional lifting/carrying
• Position involves safely operating a motor vehicle

Environmental Factors

• Work is primarily indoors in an air‑conditioned environment
• Travel between work sites, as required

Irregular Hours

• Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday‑Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may be required
• May be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergency

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and four (4) years of purchasing related experience (i.e., finance, accounting, etc.) OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• One (1) year of demonstrated lead or supervisory experience
• Facilities assignment: Prior experience and fundamental understanding of construction contracting and delivery
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal government finance practices
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Licenses and Certifications Required within thirty (30) days of employment

• Valid Texas driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related field
• Three (3) year of public purchasing experience in a government capacity
• Facilities assignment: Knowledge of local, state, and federal government finance practices specifically Texas Government Code 2269 and 2254
• Facilities assignment: Prior…