Purchasing Specialist - 72002055

Requisition No: 870284 

Agency: Management Services

Working Title: PURCHASING SPECIALIST - 72002055

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 72002055 

Salary:  Up to $52,000 

Posting Closing Date: 02/26/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Purchasing Specialist
Division of State Purchasing
State of Florida Department of Management Services
This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This position serves as a Purchasing Specialist within the Division of State Purchasing. This position requires a natural curiosity to explore innovative solutions, stay up to date on industry trends, and continuously seek improvements in procurement processes. This is an exciting opportunity to obtain hands-on experience in government contracting, create value for state agencies, and serve the State of Florida.

The day-to-day responsibilities for this position include providing in-depth research and analytical support for a variety of procurement projects and drafting contract documents. This position’s responsibilities also include developing and executing procurement strategies that are designed to maximize customer satisfaction and minimize cost for government contracts.  

The Division of State Purchasing values innovation, collaboration, and effective communication. Our mission is empowerment, both internally and externally. The ideal candidate will be able to actively contribute to this mission, is energized by a fast-paced environment, and has an appetite for challenging work. The candidate should welcome innovation, efficiency, and change. Additionally, the ideal candidate strives to deliver a quality work product and embraces our collaborative work environment by contributing both positively and frequently.

 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The candidate should exhibit the following, skills, and abilities:
•    Effective communication and active listening skills to interface with many different stakeholder groups, including public procurement officials, vendors, state agencies, or other governmental entities 
•    Critical thinking skills to analyze and apply research to make informed, strategic, and efficient decisions
•    Ability to maintain a strong attention to detail when analyzing and preparing complex contract documents
•    Ability to multi-task on different projects to meet deadlines
•    Ability to be resourceful and curious, and take initiative to learn and apply new procurement strategies
•    Ability to interpret and analyze complex contract documents and data related to contract spend
•    Proficient in standard office applications 
•    Ability to work independently and in a group setting when necessary
•    Exhibits excellent writing skills catered to a variety of audiences
•    Knowledge of Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code 
•    Participates in moderately complex negotiations

Minimum Qualifications:
•    At least one (1) to two (2) years professional experience in procurement, research, contracts, project management, or related business field.

Our Organization and Mission:
Under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, Interim Secretary Tom Berger and DMS’ Executive Leadership Team, the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) is a customer-oriented agency with a broad portfolio that includes the efficient use and management of real estate, procurement, human resources, group insurance, retirement, telecommunications, fleet, and federal property assistance programs used throughout Florida’s state government. It is against this backdrop that DMS strives to demonstrate its motto, “We serve those who serve Florida.”

Special Notes:
DMS is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce.  Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following provided email addresses:
[email protected]
[email protected]
An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DMS Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 488-2707. DMS requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.