Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, the Junior Procurement Specialist will support the centralized procurement functions of the school system. The work involves collaboration with school administrators and office/division account managers. The incumbent of this position is responsible for the procurement of goods and/or services at a competitive rate and suitable quality.

Solicits, evaluates, negotiates and awards contracts for furnishing products and services;

Administers and executes personal service contracts, non-personal service contracts and formally advertised and negotiated procurement involving a wide range of materials, services and equipment;

Prepares contract termination files for use in contracts;

Establishes acquisition plans, milestones and acquisition strategies;

Responds to requests, inquires and complaints in both oral and written form with a high level of professionalism;

Researches and recommends improvements to the procurement process (e.g., electronic purchasing, websites and software);

Attends applicable trade association meetings and seminars and may be an active member of related professional associations;

Confers with requesting school or office to determine pertinent facts about items needed and their requirements to advise on items available or to suggest substitutes; ensures that item is not available through established contracts before taking action on purchase request; and

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of contracting laws and policies, including techniques of contracting operations, procedures of departments contracting requirements, and familiarity with the practices of business and industry;

Experience in performing market research, reviewing specifications and statements of work and approving acquisitions and milestone plans;

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including the ability to convey subjects in a clear, concise and positive manner;

Superior interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact in a professional manner with senior level administration and teammates during periods of high demand and tight deadlines; ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment is essential; and

Ability to think analytically and problem solve to assess opportunities for improvement, identify and consider potential solutions, and make timely recommendations.

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in any of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management required.  In lieu of an Associate’s degree, a high school diploma supplemented by a minimum of three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional experience directly related to procurement may be considered.



Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or equivalent certification(s) preferred.



No direct supervisory responsibilities.



The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.




The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.




None.