OPS PURCHASING SPECIALIST - 64920158

OPS PURCHASING SPECIALIST - 64920158

The position reports to the Business Manager and is responsible for supporting all procurement and purchasing activities for the Florida Department of Health in Gadsden County. The role ensures that all purchasing for commodities, contractual services, and supplies is completed in compliance with state laws, rules, policies, and departmental procedures. The employee serves as a subject matter expert for purchasing systems and processes, assists staff with procurement tools, supports competitive solicitations, and provides confidential administrative support to the Business Manager. The position also reviews transactions for accuracy, resolves issues that delay purchasing workflows, maintains up-to-date procurement procedures, and contributes to staff training and cross-training efforts. Additional duties include monitoring purchasing documentation, coordinating with vendors and program staff, and performing related responsibilities as assigned to ensure efficient and compliant purchasing operations.

Procurement & Purchasing Operations

• Evaluates and processes purchase requests for commodities and contractual services in compliance with state purchasing laws, rules, policies, and DOH procedures.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on purchasing requirements, providing accurate information to customers, vendors, and the public.
• Works closely with program offices to ensure purchasing needs are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Assists staff with purchasing systems, including PCard WORKS, MyFloridaMarketPlace/Ariba on Demand, and related platforms.
• Assists with tracking and supporting competitive solicitations.
• Audits PCard transactions for accuracy and compliance with purchasing rules, policies, and procedures.
• Review purchases to identify delays or issues in the requisition/purchase order process and takes corrective action.

Solicitation & Contract Support

• Processes ITB and Single Source solicitations and coordinates administrative review with the Contract Manager and Business Manager.
• Develops, implements, reviews, and monitors procurement processes and procedures for competitive solicitations.
• Prepares procurement correspondence, including emergency purchase requests.
• Assists in tracking solicitations and supporting required documentation.

Administrative & Confidential Support

• Works in a confidential capacity to assist and support the Business Manager.
• Serves as backup to the Accountant II position when needed.
• Assists with updating and revising the department's Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual, Desk Reference, and purchasing guides.

Fiscal Operations Support

• Back up for monitoring and assisting with deposit transactions and transmittals including credit card entries in PALM, posting revenue from mail and all client services received.
• Generates and supports billing operations for specific services (i.e. LabCorp, Healthy Start).
• Assist account payments in all systems (P-works, Axiom, Cherwell, AOD, FIS, FEDX).

Training, Guidance & Professional Development

• Provides guidance and technical assistance to staff on purchasing rules, procedures, and system use.
• Implements, directs, and conducts workshops and cross-training to ensure purchasing staff can perform multiple purchasing functions.
• Attends meetings, workshops, and conferences to remain current on purchasing rules, laws, procedures, and best practices.
• Performs other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Vendor Management: Ability to secure favorable terms, pricing, and contracts from suppliers, maintaining a clear working relationship.
• Analytical & Financial: Skills to evaluate supplier proposals, work through MFMP/AOD, track inventory, and manage budgets.
• Technical Skills: Knowledge of software and Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, to track orders and analyze data.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal skills for corresponding with vendors and internal departments.
• Attention to Detail & Compliance: Ensuring accuracy in purchase orders and adhering to organizational, state, or federal procurement policies.
• Managing & Organization: Managing multiple orders, deadlines, and potential supply vendors.

Where You Will Work: Florida Department of Health in Gadsden County Gadsden County Health Department 278 LaSalle Leffall Dr. Quincy, FL 32351

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers' Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)
• And more! For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit

Location: Quincy, FL, US, 32351 Quincy, FL, US, 32353