Procurement Specialist

Position Overview

The Procurement Specialist plays a crucial role supporting procurement activities for the Office of County Engineering (OCE). The role assists with procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies, and providing efficient support to various departments. The specialist works closely with the Procurement Manager to ensure timely and effective execution of procurement strategies.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Support procurement activities, including preparing specifications, developing price schedules, and preparing solicitation documents.
• Ensure all procurement actions comply with city policies and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Research products, vendors, and market trends to assess price fluctuations, risks, and potential opportunities to guide purchasing decisions.
• Assist in reviewing, executing, and negotiating contracts and purchase orders to ensure compliance with legal and organizational standards.
• Provide technical assistance to departments by offering guidance on procurement needs for goods and services.
• Create detailed specifications and pricing matrices for procurement, supporting the evaluation and selection process.
• Assist in the design and delivery of training on procurement policies and procedures, mentoring both city employees and suppliers.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and debriefings on procurement activities and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Assist in evaluating complex procurements and contribute to determining solicitation methods.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

• At least four (4) years of professional experience in purchasing, procurement, or contracting, with a focus on preparing solicitations and contracts.

• In-depth knowledge of energy management programs across federal, state, and local entities, including regulatory and policy frameworks that impact utility prices and demand.
• Well-versed in sustainability, resilience, climate change, and environmental issues, particularly those affecting climate programs in Harris County.
• Highly skilled in computers & related software applications, along with familiarity with other project management software, enabling effective data analysis, reporting, and presentation.
• Strong capability in conducting detailed analysis, making projections, and solving complex problems. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and maintain organization in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders, both internal and external, to drive project success and achieve organizational goals.

In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities. Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

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.

• Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPM) are preferred.

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in county government procurement, demonstrating knowledge of county-specific…