Purchasing Assistant

Administrative Support

Provides administrative and technical support to office and school staff in the acquisition of services, supplies and goods within the allowable threshold that necessitates multiple quotes to ensure competitive pricing. Provides routine support duties related to the purchasing function. Creates and submits requests for quotation, reviews, analysis, and recommends for purchase of supplies, services, and goods. Reviews methods of acquisition and prepares related documentation. Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Evaluate market sources and suppliers to ensure the most cost-effective and competitive pricing for the purchase of commodities and services.
• Evaluate methods of acquisition including method, time and place, and courier as appropriate.
• Create and Issue informal Requests for Quotes (RFQ's) to suppliers.
• Collaborate with end users as to the quality and type of individual products required.
• Submit advertising for formal and informal solicitations to eMaryland Marketplace Advantage as appropriate.
• Receive, review, and determine compliance of quotes, bids, and proposals and make recommendations for award based upon the results of this information.
• Review, monitor and expedite purchases to ensure continued compliance by contracted suppliers, and provide direction accordingly.
• Review bids, contracts, and related documentation to verify accuracy and completeness.
• Generate and file departmental related reports and documents relating to the office's purchasing function.
• Maintain up-to-date supplier relationships and provide customer support for suppliers and internal customers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent. Associates degree or equivalent college coursework preferred. Coursework in procurement, contract law, business administration or a related field preferred. Five years' experience in public procurement or contracts.

Licenses and Certificates:

• N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of generally accepted purchasing principles, established procedures, and regulatory requirements applicable to the work.
• Familiarity with procurement software and tools is an advantage (Oracle or SAP).
• Ability to work independently, prioritize and manage workload efficiently.
• Ability and willingness to learn and adapt to changing procurement processes.
• Ability to read, update, evaluate, and maintain various records and files.
• Ability to access, operate, and maintain various software applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to clearly communicate information both orally and in writing.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, and other digital-based equipment.
• Skill in the principles and practices of governmental purchasing analysis.
• Skill in performing routine-to-moderately complex mathematical computations and tabulations accurately and efficiently, as they relate to purchasing.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all personnel, departmental personnel and supervisors, and suppliers.

Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The work of this class is generally sedentary and performed in an office environment. Work includes the operation of office equipment, including personal computers, and occasional limited physical activities.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

N/A

SALARY: Grade 06/ESPBC (12-Month), $25.18-$40.26 (Hourly Base Pay Scale for Non-Exempt Office Professionals, Clerical, and Classified 2025-2026 Effective January 1, 2026)

Visit the BCPS Office of Payroll website for additional information on pay scales, other compensation and leave accruals at

OTHER COMPENSATION: This position may also be eligible for comp time as per the ESPBC Master Agreement. Visit the BCPS website for additional information at

FLSA: Non-Exempt

RETIREMENT: Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System.

BENEFITS: BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans, dental plans, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include paid holidays, sick, personal business, and bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA, sick bank, and board approved leaves. All new hires will attend a benefits meeting upon hire. Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees at