Buyer- Harris County Office of Purchasing Agent

Buyer IThe Buyer I performs professional-level procurement functions involving the acquisition of goods and services for Harris County. This position supports county-wide operations serving approximately 5 million residents, 20,000 employees in 80 departments, roughly $5.5B annual expenditures, and 18,500 purchase orders. The Buyer I exercises discretion and independent judgment in applying procurement laws, policies, and procedures to assigned purchasing activities of moderate complexity primarily below formal threshold and above threshold when applicable. The role supports County operations through compliant, timely, and best-value purchasing decisions.Duties and Responsibilities:Independently manages assigned procurements from requisition through award within delegated authority, determining the appropriate procurement method and developing solicitation documents.Conducts price, cost, and market analysis and evaluates vendor responses.Prepares award recommendations and maintains complete procurement files suitable for audit review.Administers contracts post-award, including renewals and amendments.Ensures compliance with Texas Local Government Code Chapter 262, County policies and provides guidance to departments regarding procurement requirements.Participates in process improvement and training initiatives.Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field required.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard office technology required.Knowledge of public procurement principles and practices for the acquisition of goods and services, including competitive and non-competitive methods and best-value concepts.Knowledge of applicable procurement laws, policies, and procedures, including Texas Local Government Code Chapter 262 and County requirements.Skill in analyzing specifications, pricing, and market conditions, including price, cost, and market analysis to support purchasing decisions.Skill in developing solicitation documents and evaluating vendor responses, including documenting findings and preparing award recommendations.Skill in professional communication, including written correspondence and verbal coordination with vendors, departments, and internal stakeholders regarding procurement requirements.Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment within delegated authority, manage multiple assignments, maintain complete procurement files suitable for audit review, and support timely, compliant procurement outcomes.Preferences:Experience supporting department relations, high-frequency activity volumes, or general procurement functions preferred.Prior purchasing/procurement experience is preferred.General Information:Hours: This is a full-time position with the typical work hours of Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Occasional weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required based on the specific needs and demands of the department.Location: Harris County Purchasing Office Building - 1111 Fannin St 12th Floor Houston, TX 77002Compensation: Annual Salary Range: Depends On ExperienceReporting Relationships: Reports To: Director & Assistant Director, Purchasing ServicesEmployment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.BenefitsHarris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:Medical CoverageDental CoverageVision CoverageWellness PlanLife InsuranceLong-Term Disability (LTD) InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Healthcare Flexible Spending AccountDependent Care Flexible Spending AccountPaid Time Off (PTO)Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)Eleven (11) County-observed holidaysOne (1) floating holiday per yearPaid Parental Leave*Sick LeaveRetirement Savings Benefit457 Deferred Compensation PlanThe following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:Professional learning & development opportunitiesRetirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)Flexible work schedule*METRO RideSponsor Program** Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website: