Procurement Specialist II (IT)

Job Summary

Performs a variety of statutory compliance duties related to the county's procurement processes, including the development, oversight, and monitoring of purchases, contracts, and solicitations. Evaluates and monitors complex contract performance, compliance, and contractual obligations on a county-wide basis, with minimal supervision. Acts as liaison between county departments including fiscal staff, project managers, management, and other county staff, as well as outside agencies, vendors, and the constituent community as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is second in the series of four professional level positions in the Procurement Job Family. Under limited supervision, the ideal candidate will successfully perform all assigned job responsibilities in support of the Purchasing Office. This position is distinguished by the amount of independence for both actions and decision-making and by the level of supervision, as well as the experience required. This position may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the Office.

• Utilize solicitation and contracting methods to procure goods and services in compliance with federal, state, local, and County regulations and policies
• Plan and implement solicitation and contract compliance programs for complex contracts, interpreting policies, rules, codes, and regulations to ensure statutory compliance
• Develop, implement, and maintain a county-wide system to monitor moderately complex procurements, contracts, and agreements
• Monitor complex contract performance through on-site visits and examination of billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance
• Work closely with elected and appointed officials, project managers, department heads, outside agencies, and county staff to develop solicitations and contracts meeting operational needs
• Coordinate all phases of procurement planning and development for assigned departments
• Review and investigate non-compliance issues, writing situation summaries and recommending solutions
• Research and resolve complex contract issues
• Analyze data and prepare, distribute, and present solicitation and contract status reports to Commissioner's Court, officials, department heads, agencies, and the public
• Negotiate contracts, renewals, amendments, modifications, and plan changes
• Resolve audit exceptions and develop corrective actions for deviations
• Coordinate and conduct risk assessments to determine service and monitoring requirements for contracts
• Manage moderately complex formal and informal competitive procurements and other solicitation/contracting methods
• Pursue continuous professional development through educational opportunities, certification programs, and active participation in at least one Community of Practice, while performing all Procurement Specialist I duties in addition to Procurement Specialist II responsibilities
• Uphold confidentiality as legally permitted, and support business continuity and disaster response efforts outside normal job functions and business hours
• Promote equity and inclusion by identifying barriers and creating opportunities for a diverse business community

Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Procurement, Public Administration, Construction Management or a related field AND three (3) years of relevant work experience OR, any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job. Master's degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements
A valid Texas Driver's License is required.

Preferred Qualifications
Professional procurement certification from a nationally recognized procurement organization is preferred (e.g., CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Office procedures, computer equipment, databases, file management techniques, and related software applications
• Business English, spelling, arithmetic, letter writing, grammar, punctuation, and report preparation
• Existing automated business applications and their relationships to each other and interfaces with other automated systems
• Policies, practices, procedures, and terminology of assigned function
• Contractual law and regulations and community policies, resources, and structures
• Principles and methods of financial record keeping and reporting
• Project management methodologies, practices, and techniques
• Theory, principles, and practice methods of government purchasing, contract management, and construction purchasing
• Community/economic development practices and procedures
• Research and analysis techniques and organization practices
• Accounting, purchasing, and budgetary theory, principles, and practices

Skill in:

• Understanding and carrying out verbal and written directions
• Managing time well, performing multiple tasks, and organizing diverse activities
• Performing in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner
• Interacting effectively with all levels of management, employees, numerous outside agencies, and outside contractors
• Analyzing complex issues with attention to detail and translating concepts for peers and customers
• Compiling and analyzing data, and writing clear and comprehensive reports
• Independent judgment, problem-solving and decision-making
• Researching, compiling, analyzing, interpreting, and preparing a variety of fiscal, statistical, legal, and administrative reports
• Using technology, including computers, word processing, databases, and spreadsheet programs
• Resolving contract disputes
• Writing, researching and summarizing complex compliance matters
• Effective negotiation and facilitation
• Responding to complex inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the professional community
• Translating highly complex concepts for peers and customers

Ability to:

• Use discretion and courtesy in dealing with vendors and personnel in the course of work
• Work efficiently as part of a team, and work independently with little to no supervision
• Work with a diverse community
• Work independently and initiate creative and effective solutions to challenges
• Effectively present information to senior management and public groups
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental support staff, attorneys, judges, clientele, outside agencies and contractors, other county staff and officials, and all levels of management and the general public
• Exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions
• Interpret policies, procedures, codes, ordinances, and regulations
• Manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously
• Research, analyze, and interpret technical/professional journals, financial reports, legal documents
• Identify problem areas and develop solutions/corrective measures
• Adapt to multiple demands and shifting priorities
• Work under timeline pressures with high degree of accuracy
• Develop the most complex solicitation documents to procure necessary goods and services
• Negotiate the most complex features of a contract

Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer, monitor, keyboard, printer, fax machine, copier, adding machine, typewriter, and essential office equipment. Also requires vision to monitor, standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, driving, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, client/customer contact, and squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday. 

Location: 700 Lavaca St Austin TX 78701

Department: Purchasing & Inventory Mgmt

Criminal Background Check Required.

For updates or questions on this position, contact: [email protected]

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.