[Hiring] Purchaser VII @Texas Health & Human Services Commission

Role Description

HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) is looking for a candidate for the Purchaser VII position. The Purchaser VII is an expert procurement position that provides experience through technical expertise and oversight and processing of the most complex and high impact procurements. Serves as team lead, and may supervise the work of others, as well as train and mentor other purchasing staff. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment following HHSC and PCS policies and procedures, and laws governing state purchasing.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. (15%)
• Evaluates complex requisitions for compliance with applicable requirements prior to processing and collaborates with program customers to clarify and understand requirements and specifications relating to procurements. (15%)
• Assists program customers with research vendors to provide needed commodities and aids requesters in drafting competitive specifications for services. Utilizes the most appropriate procurement method to determine best value. (15%)
• Directs the preparation of competitive solicitations ensuring they are solicited and awarded in accordance with state and federal laws to include compliance with Comptroller of Public Accounts requirements and guidance when applicable, Contract Advisory Team requirements, and HHSC policies and procedures. (10%)
• Supports the team by identifying provider resources, evaluates information supplied by bidders, and calculates bids and orders to determine lowest and most qualified bids or bids that provide best value. Recommends and makes contract awards and suggests additional content for contracts when appropriate. (10%)
• Supports the team by processing assigned requisitions to purchase orders (POs) and/or creates tracking contracts in a financial accounting system, in accordance with established timelines. Evaluates, releases to vendor, and tracks purchase orders (POs) based on requesters’ needs. (10%)
• Guides the team through the procurement process for accuracy and verifies against a checklist. Utilizes organizational tools to maintain all required procurement documentation and prepares files for upload into the system of records, in a timely manner. Uses automated procurement systems. (10%)
• Creates, prepares and delivers trainings and workshops, and serves as mentor to procurement staff. Creates and/or revises job aids related to procurement processes. (10%)
• Works alongside leadership, requesters, subject matter experts, stakeholders, agency staff, and other purchasing staff to identify and resolve purchasing related issues. (5%)
• Prepares and/or reviews financial reports; monitors and documents vendor performance as required; and provides required reporting. Performs other duties as assigned, such as participating in procurement related events, training, or providing support for the agency’s disaster response and recovery obligations or Business Continuity Plan activation.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing state purchasing and systems such as HHS’s Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS) Financials and System of Contract Operation and Reporting (SCOR).
• Expert knowledge of purchasing and procurement methods and procedures.
• Expert knowledge of state of Texas procurement principles and practices assigned commodities and products on the open market, and supply sources.
• Expert skill in the use of computer and applicable software.
• Expert skill in problem solving, including asking appropriate questions and identifying resources to obtain necessary information.
• Demonstrated ability to logically assemble and evaluate information.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a system of required record keeping.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to schedule, prioritize, monitor and complete multiple assignments timely.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to act in a sound, logical, proactive and appropriate manner based on well thought out analysis of situations or problems.
• Demonstrated ability to assign and/or oversee the work of others.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively train others.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment with competing priorities.
• Must provide customer service excellence.

Requirements

• Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of purchasing, procurement, or contract management experience and three (3) years of progressive experience in formal solicitation methods.
• State of Texas procurement and formal solicitation methods experience preferred.
• Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification preferred.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• A defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.