Purchasing Specialist I

Reporting directly to a Purchasing Manager, responsible for performing routine transactional purchasing and compliance oversight functions that support the daily operations of the Williamson County Purchasing Department. Carries fiduciary responsibility for ensuring that each purchasing transaction complies with internal control requirements, applicable procurement laws, and County policy. Serves as a primary compliance and customer service resource for County departments, providing hands‑on guidance, coaching, and corrective support to end users to ensure purchasing activities are executed accurately, legally, and efficiently. Errors or omissions at this level may result in audit findings, financial loss, or noncompliance, requiring a high degree of attention to detail, judgment, and independent decision‑making.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Performs front desk duties such as answering/routing telephone calls and assisting walk-in visitors Independently reviews, validates, and enforces internal control requirements for each purchasing transaction, including authorization, funding, documentation, and statutory compliance Performs detailed risk analysis of requisitions and purchase orders to ensure transactions are legal, properly authorized, and defensible under audit Serves as a front-line risk resource for routine purchases, protecting the County from audit findings, financial exposure, and reputational risk Reviews supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to approval and agenda placement Analyzes high volume materials and services to determine the best sourcing strategy between competitive bid and cooperative purchasing methods Works with vendors/contractors to aid their understanding of the purchasing requirements for local governmental entities Assists with preparation and administration of the county solicitation process Creates, approves, audits and files purchase orders and requisitions up to $25,000 Serves as primary point of contact and daily subject matter expert for internal and external customers on routine purchasing concerns Balances high-volume transactional workload, often resolving issues that impact departmental operations and timelines Maintains complete and audit-ready electronic and physical purchasing records Assists departments in navigating purchasing processes, reducing delays, rework, and compliance risks Reviews and collects supporting documentation for requisition approval processing and prepares items for agenda placement Collaborates with county Budget and Auditor offices to ensure expenditures are properly authorized and legal Coordinates and schedules procurement card distribution appointments Performs quality control of various documents to ensure they meet purchasing policies and compliance implemented by federal, state, and local laws Preforms follow‑up training for requisitioners Maintains all electronic and physical purchasing files Attends all meetings and trainings, as required Performs special duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

Reports directly to – Purchasing Manager Direct Reports – No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Position involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, visual examination of documents, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, standing and occasional lifting/carrying Position involves safely operating a motor vehicle

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Work is primarily indoors in an air‑conditioned environment Travel between work sites, as required

IRREGULAR HOURS

Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may be required May be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergency The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of purchasing related experience (i.e., finance, accounting, etc.) OR an equivalent combination of education and experience Knowledge of local, state, and federal government finance practices Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required Within Thirty (30) Days Of Employment Valid Texas driver’s license Preferred Qualifications Associate degree in a related field One (1) year of public purchasing experience in a government capacity Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning purchasing software (ERP) including Oracle Proficient data entry skills with the ability to type up to 55 words per minute National Purchasing Association Certification

EMPLOYMENT TESTING

Criminal background check: Yes Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes Drug screening: No Physical exam: No Psychological exam: No Additional: N/A

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.

TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chew, etc.) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (e.g., vapor, e‑cigarettes, etc.) prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Benefits Williamson County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible full‑time employees, retirees, and their families. Group health plans for medical and dental coverage An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Life insurance Short‑term disability insurance Long‑term disability insurance Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements To review our benefit options and associated costs, click here to visit our interactive benefits cost estimator. Retirement Benefits Full‑time & part‑time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS) Employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation) Employees benefit from a variety of other programs including 12 paid holidays For more details please contact Williamson County Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Williamson County