IT Purchasing Specialist​/Agency Internal

Job Title

IT Purchasing Specialist

As an IT Purchasing Specialist within the Technology Services Division of the Department of Enterprise Services (DES), you will research technology solutions and define what best fits within DES’s IT ecosystem. You serve as the internal and external contact for acquired software and hardware, oversee contracts, procurement, vendor, and asset management, and establish procedures and standards for IT vendor management in line with state and agency procurement and financial policies.

Your role ensures transparency in DES’s IT contracts, maintains compliance with licensing requirements, and manages the lifecycle of IT solutions while working closely with DES leadership and IT support teams.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor relationships.
• Work with IT to define workflows and business processes for tracking and managing vendor work.
• Engage all business stakeholders and subject matter experts throughout the procurement cycle.
• Develop and maintain processes and workflows for vendor management.
• Manage vendor relationships, partnering with small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses.
• Analyze data to oversee vendor performance and review IT software license renewals.
• Evaluate business needs, identify shared solutions, and manage procurement requests.
• Compare purchasing options, coordinate large IT procurements, and produce complex reports with finance and IT leadership.
• Collaborate with TSD and DES programs and maintain thorough knowledge of the business.
• Proactively solve conflicts, address issues, and ensure delivery and services align with agency goals.
• Act as a customer liaison, advocating for positive relationships between multiple IT teams, agency programs, and customers.

** Required**

• Six (6) years of experience in information technology such as business analysis, procurement, and IT budget management.
• OR an associate’s degree in an information technology or related program
  ** AND
  * * four (4) years of IT experience as described above.
• OR a bachelor’s degree in information management, computer science, business administration, or related field
  ** AND
  * * two (2) years of IT experience as described above.
• Knowledge of software, hardware, and peripheral installation and configuration, and technical specifications for IT solutions.
• Understanding of software, hardware, and infrastructure integration with IT solutions.
• Ability to interpret and communicate financial and operational data.
• Familiarity with technical research of IT solutions and Microsoft EA licensing processes.
• Experience working within a regulated environment for procurement and vendor management.

** Desired/Preferred**

• Minimum of 4 years of advanced skills in modern business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power Query, Power Pivot, and Power BI.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience with State project oversight and procurement policies and standards.
• Experience with information technology implementations and risk management.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in written, simplifying technical problems for non‑technical staff.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, ethics, and teamwork.

• Commitment to a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships and partnerships.
• Adaptability and problem‑solving in dynamic environments.
• High ethical standards and integrity in all actions.

The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates differences and supports a workplace that values equal opportunity employment and inclusion across all protected characteristics. The Department considers qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable laws.

Competitive benefits package, including health, retirement, paid leave, and professional development opportunities, pursuant to Washington State policies.