Category Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Provides skilled assistance in the strategic sourcing of goods, equipment, or services for the district.  Works as an integral member in the management of strategic sourcing events and supplier relationships.  Provides strategic and innovative contributions to the sourcing process and business operations. Responsible for the purchasing of goods and services within category assignment in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Procures or coordinates the procurement of commodities, equipment and/or services, required by various departments in accordance with all District policies and State and Federal laws and regulations.
2.    Prepares requests for proposals, solicitations, bids for various commodities and services ensuring compliance with District policies, Federal and State laws and regulations. 
3.    Receives proposals/bids, conducts and oversees evaluation committee, prepares analysis, discusses and determines recommendations including suppliers’ past performance and qualifications.
4.    Facilitates and conducts pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences to discuss the District’s procurement process for clarity and understanding of advertised proposal.
5.    Prepares recommendations and documents to present to the HISD Board of Education for approval.
6.    Performs contract administration, including liaison between suppliers and departments, contract compliance, and contract execution. Works with departments to proactively identify purchasing and contract value opportunities through use of more efficient procurement methods such as quantity discounts, standardization, value analysis, or cooperative purchasing.
7.    Issues and maintains purchase orders for the procurement of goods and services for all schools and departments for bid and non-bid items in accordance with state and federal procurement laws and regulations.
8.    Reviews and executes purchase orders, change orders, and other documents for accuracy and compliance.
9.    Establishes and approves sources for designated purchases and supplies; obtains quotations and identifies all processes related to purchasing of goods and services from initial request to close-out. 
10.    Assists suppliers, schools, and departments with the resolution of problems encountered within the purchasing functions.
11.    Researches and identifies alternative suppliers and services to meet the District’s needs when necessary. Reviews vendor files and obtains necessary documentation required to ensure vendor compliance with state and federal procurement laws and regulations. Reviews and monitors vendor performance of selected suppliers using reports and data provided by Purchasing Analyst.
12.    Prepares and maintains vendor information, which may include: bid specifications, new vendor sources, correspondence, product specifications, bid lists, and other related purchasing documents.
13.    Maintains thorough understanding of Federal, State and local bid laws and board policies. Assists in the process to promote and maximize representation of M/WBE businesses on bids, proposals, and quotes.

 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

14.    Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

3 to 5 years Procurement or Supply Chain experience

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

SAP, Microsoft Office

Office equipment (e.g., computer, copier)

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory or direct people management responsibilities. May provide occasional work guidance, technical advice and training to staff.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work involves the application of moderately complex procedures and tasks that are quite varied. Independent judgment is often required to select and apply the most appropriate of available resources. Ongoing supervision is provided on an "as needed" basis.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

No budget development activity is required.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitude, but are still subject to approval. Job is occasionally expected to recommend new solutions to problems and improve existing methods or generate new ideas.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Follows rules and procedures. Decisions can have minimal or no impact to HISD. Errors can be readily detected, usually by the employee, and, if made, would result in minor expense for correction.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Information sharing - gives and receives information such as options, technical direction, instructions and reporting results. Interactions are mostly with customers, own supervisor and coworkers in own and other departments.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Follows through with customer inquiries, requests and complaints. Forwards difficult and non-routine inquiries or requests to appropriate level for resolution.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Ability to carry and/or lift less up to 15 to 44 pounds.