Procurement Specialist / Contract Administrator (Entry-Level)

OVERVIEW OF ATHENA

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are currently recruiting an entry-level Procurement Specialist/Contract Administrator. This full-time position pays $23.00 per hour and is located in Charlotte, NC.

The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule, eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. Work will be performed in an office cubicle setting, with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule. The selected candidate must be available to start within two weeks.

The Procurement Specialist/Contract Administrator facilitates procurement and contracting activities from request intake through final execution. This position supports accurate, efficient purchasing processes in compliance with organizational policies, vendor requirements, and applicable regulations. Candidates should possess introductory knowledge of procurement processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Coordinate the procurement lifecycle, including request intake, sourcing, competitive bidding, contract review, and final execution.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to clarify requirements, verify specifications, and ensure procurement activities align with budgets, timelines, and business needs.
• Conduct supplier research, evaluate vendor capabilities, and assist in developing and managing preferred vendor relationships.
• Prepare, issue, and manage requests for quotations (RFQs), requests for proposals (RFPs), and other solicitation documents.
• Analyze solicitation responses and prepare recommendations for review.
• Support contract negotiations by gathering relevant data, assisting with drafting contract terms, and ensuring documentation is complete and accurate.
• Maintain procurement records, contract files, and supporting documentation in accordance with organizational standards and audit requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance, assist in resolving issues, and escalate concerns when necessary.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve purchasing efficiency.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with organizational policies, applicable legal requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
• Provide customer-focused guidance to internal stakeholders on procurement processes, systems, and best practices.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Introductory knowledge of procurement processes, purchasing procedures, and contract administration.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to review procurement documents, vendor responses, and contract information for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to manage multiple requests, track deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and vendors.
• Ability to work independently; must be self-motivated.
• Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills.
• Customer-focused approach to responding to questions and resolving issues.
• Ability to learn and use procurement systems and standard office software.
• Ability to understand and adhere to the duties, methods, and procedures required by the position.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma, required.
• Introductory knowledge of procurement processes, gained through coursework, training, or related work experience.
• 2+ years of procurement experience, preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Schedule

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Work is performed in an office cubicle setting in Charlotte, NC.
• Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
• A hybrid work schedule may be available based on performance.
• Must be available to start within two weeks.

Successful ATHENA Employees Will Display the Following Characteristics

• You strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future.
• You like to make your employer look good.
• You find solutions, where others only see problems.
• You are proactive, you make and meet commitments, and you perform your duties exceedingly well.
• You are aware of the employer’s needs at all times and are well-versed in what you personally and ATHENA can offer them as a whole.
• You have the ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish the larger mission.

The Benefits of Working for ATHENA Include

• Support from a team of professionals committed to making your life better.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account.
• Pet insurance.
• 401k with a generous employer match.
• ATHENA paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employee.
• Additional Voluntary Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employee, spouses, and children.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Easy to use employee self-serve HR portal.
• Sick leave varies—be sure to inquire with your Recruiter.

The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required. The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.

ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.