TDA - Purchaser (Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Contracts/Grants/Project Managemen

TDA – PurchaserThe Texas Department of Agriculture Financial Services Division supports TDA programs by performing financial duties in the areas of accounting, budget, purchasing, contracting, accounts payable and payroll.The Purchaser will perform advanced purchasing and procurement functions for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to ensure that all federal and state purchasing requirements are met in an accurate and timely manner. You will provide subject matter expertise, customer service assistance, and training to agency staff related to purchasing; ensure strict adherence to bid dates and specifications and serves as agency resource on all agency purchasing functions. You will work under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.Primary responsibilities include planning, organizing, coordinating and writing complex specifications for invitation for bids, request for offers, request for information and request for proposals; preparing procurement documents and related correspondence. You will prepare formal solicitations as well as recommendations for awards of contracts; set opening dates for bids; post bids; attend vendor meetings; and tabulate, analyze and award bids, including issuance of purchase orders to vendors. You will process purchase requests, convert requisitions to purchase orders, and maintain detailed records of items purchased in the procurement and contracting system. You will review requisitions in the procurement and contracting system for correctness, completeness and compliance prior to processing agency procurement. You will work with vendors for effective delivery of goods and services and with program to document performance and resolution. You will assist with HUB/MWBE strategies for goal attainment. You will research, analyze, report, and recommend on matters related to purchasing. You will review and track agreements in conjunction with divisions to ensure continuity of recurring services. You will coordinate maintenance of procurement records, both hardcopy and electronic. You will develop, update and maintain policies, procedures, rules and regulations for purchasing; and assist in monitoring purchasing staff compliance with policies and procedures. You will follow all TDA policies and procedures. You will perform other duties as assigned.Qualifications/requirements for the position include a bachelor's degree (a high school diploma and two years of work experience related to the primary duties may substitute for the bachelor's degree). You will need three (3) years' work experience in purchasing, procurement and/or contracts. You will need Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or ability to obtain within (1) one year of employment. Substitution: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field may substitute for required work experience.Preferred qualifications include work experience as a purchaser in government developing solicitations and contracts for high-value or complex procurements. You will need Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD).Knowledge of purchasing and procurement methods and procedures; state procurement principles and practices; supply sources; the principles of business administration and accounting; negotiating contracts; preparing purchase orders, solicitations and contacts; and of policies and procedures of procurement and contract management. Skill in resource planning and budget development for procurements; evaluating and understanding fiscal data for viability, capability, accountability and compliance with contract requirements; math aptitude; attention to detail; critical thinking skills providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; and in operating a personal computer with applicable software. Ability to analyze, evaluate and summarize financial and management records for accuracy and compliance to procedures, rules and regulations; evaluate data for compliance with contract requirements; analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend effective solutions; process information in a logical manner and to assess validity; adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner; plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment; work effectively in high-pressure situations and manage a high-volume workload; and to exercise sound judgment and discretion.Physical requirements and working conditions include normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (up to 5%), occasionally overnight.The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work. The agency's core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include retirement plan, paid group health & life insurance for employees, paid holidays, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, longevity pay, dental, vision, dependent optional life insurance, voluntary AD&D insurance, dependent health & life insurance, health & dependent care flexible spending accounts.