PROCUREMENT ASSOCIATE

Procurement Associate

The Procurement Associate provides technical and administrative support for the District's centralized procurement activities, including purchasing, contracting, solicitations, vendor administration, and Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) initiatives. The position reviews and processes procurement documentation, maintains records and resources, prepares reports, and assists with solicitations and contract administration in accordance with District policies and applicable federal, state, and local requirements. The Procurement Associate works with District departments, vendors, and Procurement Services staff to support efficient, equitable, and compliant procurement operations.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or GED required. Associate degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Procurement, or related field preferred.
• Certification/License: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or equivalent procurement certification preferred.
• Work Experience: 2 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, contract administration, purchase order processing, financial reporting, bookkeeping, or related activities required. Experience supporting M/WBE, supplier diversity, or inclusive procurement initiatives preferred. Experience in K12 education or public sector preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of purchasing, procurement, contract administration, and general business practices.
• Knowledge of applicable procurement policies, procedures, regulations, and documentation requirements.
• Knowledge of M/WBE, supplier diversity, and inclusive procurement practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, ERP/financial systems, document management systems, and related technology.
• Strong analytical, organizational, research, and records management skills.
• Ability to prepare reports, maintain spreadsheets, and analyze procurement and vendor data.
• Ability to interpret and communicate procurement policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Ability to review procurement documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with District staff, vendors, suppliers, and external partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.

Essential Duties:

• Reviews, processes, and routes Independent Contractor Agreements, procurement forms, contracts, and related documentation for appropriate approval and processing.
• Assists departments with specifications, solicitation documents, evaluations, and contract administration for lower-dollar and less complex procurements under established procedures and guidance.
• Supports Purchasing Agents and senior procurement staff with formal solicitations, contract administration, renewals, and other complex procurement activities.
• Prepares, maintains, and distributes procurement reports using District financial systems, procurement records, spend data, vendor information, and other relevant sources.
• Maintains procurement records, forms, templates, standard contracts, procedures, guidelines, checklists, logs, website content, and other departmental resources.
• Supports vendor registration and vendor database maintenance, including the collection and maintenance of M/WBE and supplier information.
• Supports implementation of the District's inclusive procurement and M/WBE initiatives by identifying potential suppliers, assisting with outreach and training, analyzing utilization and spend data, and identifying potential barriers to participation.
• Provides procurement information and assistance to District departments and vendors and communicates established purchasing policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Represents Procurement Services at assigned meetings and supports departmental activities while maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, fairness, and compliance requirements of the public procurement process.
• Maintains current knowledge of public procurement practices, regulations, systems, and industry developments through professional development and other appropriate resources.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in person and be available to work on-site during regular business hours and as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or their representative.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions:

• Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.
• Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.
• Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.
• Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.
• Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict.
• Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.
• Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress.

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. Compensation: Salary Grade: 124 Salary Range: Salary Schedules - Atlanta Public Schools Work Year: 252 days