Procurement Specialist I

Job Title

Specialist-Level Position within the Office of Procurement

Job Description

This is a specialist-level position within the Office of Procurement and under general supervision, performs purchasing assignments by procuring and expediting a variety of materials, supplies and equipment for use by all County agencies. Develops sources of supply and formal Requests for Quotation for items for use by all County agencies. This involves vendor contact as well as contact with most County Departments. Position instructs users as to processes and policies within the Office of Procurement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of local government purchasing methods, techniques, principles, practices, and legal requirements for procuring commodities and services.
• Working knowledge of the functions, organization, operations, commodities, services, and supplier markets applicable to County departments and agencies.
• Ability to prepare detailed specifications for formal bidding, process purchasing activities, reconcile purchase orders and invoices, and manage inventory control accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve purchasing discrepancies, clarify bid or requisition issues, and follow up with departments or vendors to ensure timely and compliant outcomes.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and accuracy in processing purchasing transactions, invoices, tax exemption certificates, and related financial documentation.
• Willingness and ability to assume additional responsibilities as assigned and adapt to changing operational needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County departments, coworkers, and suppliers using principles of sound customer service and professionalism.
• Commitment to ethical conduct, confidentiality, dependability, and compliance with the County Employee Code of Ethics, including reliability in attendance and timeliness.
• Proficiency in maintaining purchasing records, using office equipment and technology, and processing documentation efficiently within established systems.
• Effective communication skills, including answering phones, greeting visitors, and maintaining a professional, business-like manner in written and verbal interactions.

Qualification Requirements

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• Four years of experience in purchasing/contract experience; or
• Two years of experience as described above and an Associate's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Purchasing, or related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Licensing and Certifications

• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or equivalent certifications, or the ability to obtain within three years of hire.

Competencies, Skills and Other Experience

• Knowledgeable in the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software systems.
• Working knowledge of Pennsylvania Department of General Services contracts and other cooperative purchasing agreements.
• Ability to effectively multitask and manage competing priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams; and the ability to adapt to new software, systems and technology tools as needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; see; talk and hear.
• Significant and repeated use of a keyboard.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and reliable transportation.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EOE

Montgomery County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.