Purchasing Specialist

Job Description:

Purchasing Specialist

Description

Agency Information

Purchasing Specialist

To apply for any posted position with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, please register or log in at:

https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psc/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of State of Texas application

All positions with TCOLE are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to an in-depth background investigation including criminal history, employment history and references, military, education, and personal references. Employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required.

Our Mission

The mission of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, as a regulatory State agency, is to establish and enforce standards to ensure that the people of Texas are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement, corrections, and telecommunications personnel.

Who We¿re Looking For

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is seeking a Purchasing Specialist (Purchaser V) to join the Finance Division located at 6330 E HWY 290, Suite 200, Austin, TX.

The employee performs highly advanced (senior-level) purchasing and procurement work which involves planning, coordinating, and managing the purchase of commodities and services, preparing and managing procurement documents, monitoring and maintaining detailed records of items purchased, received, prepared, and issued.

Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. The salary range is $64,000 - $70,000. This Job Class for this position is 1934 and salary group is B21.

Essential Job Duties

Processes CAPPS requisitions and purchase orders for routine goods and services, solicitations, grants, and contracts.

Executes emergency and proprietary purchases in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.

Manages procurement card requests, ensuring all transactions meet established compliance and documentation requirements.

Coordinates purchases through the Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) and Department of Information Resources (DIR), including reviewing and drafting detailed specifications and proprietary justification letters.

Ensures adherence to purchasing requirements for commodities and services available through set¿aside programs, as well as term, DIR, and TXMAS contracts. Issues purchase orders (POs) through Texas SmartBuy and CAPPS to support timely and compliant procurement activities.

Plans, coordinates, and manages complex procurements for goods and services, preparing detailed specifications for Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Offers (RFOs), and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs).

Oversees the full solicitation lifecycle from development through contract execution, including posting to the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD), facilitating evaluation team meetings, compiling scoring matrices, conducting cost analyses, reviewing vendor responses, determining best value, and preparing award recommendations.

Ensures all procurement activities comply with agency policies, Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) requirements, and applicable statutory regulations.

Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders throughout every phase of the procurement cycle to maintain accuracy, ensure compliance, and support timely and effective contract execution.

Manages purchase order (PO) balances to ensure alignment with associated contracts, amendments, and budgetary requirements.

Maintains complete and accurate documentation for all procurement activities.

Ensures procurement files are organized and retained in accordance with applicable records retention policies and regulatory requirements.

Supports the coordination and fulfillment of Public Information Requests, ensuring accuracy and timely response.

Serves as the backup Procurement Card Administrator, supporting procurement card operations and ensuring continuity of services and compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

May travel up to 5% of the time including occasional overnight travel. May drive and travel to attend and represent the Commission at meetings, seminars and conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor¿s Degree from accredited university in business administration, public administration, or a related field. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Three (3) years of full-time purchasing experience.

Experience utilizing an automated purchasing system (CAPPS or Peoplesoft).

Experience with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).

Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) and/or Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of state procurement methods, statewide purchasing programs, emergency and proprietary purchasing requirements, as well as procurement systems, policies, and compliance standards.

Skill in managing complex procurements, developing detailed specifications and solicitation documents, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies, effectively using procurement and related systems.

Ability to independently manage procurement processes, exercise sound judgement in complex and time sensitive situations, maintain audit ready documentation and ensure compliance, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, and provide technical guidance on procurement policies and procedures.

Knowledge and experience with purchasing methods and procedures.

Knowledge and experience with formal, competitive solicitations for a State of Texas agency.

Knowledge and experience with principles of accounting and business.

Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.

Skill in effective written and verbal communication.

Skill in exercising sound judgement and effective decision making.

Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback.

Ability to work cooperatively with other in a professional office environment.

Ability to maintain CTCD and/or CTCM certification.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Five (5) years of full-time State of Texas purchasing experience.

Experience with Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS) and/or USAS.

Working Conditions

Must maintain procurement certification(s).

Operates standard office equipment.

Required to move items weighing up to 40 pounds.

Valid driver¿s license, acceptable driving record.

Benefits

Working for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) empowers you to make an impact on public safety while engaging in continuous learning within a supportive environment. You'll play a crucial role in upholding high law enforcement standards, collaborating with local agencies, and enhancing the well-being of Texans. As a Texas State employee, you will have access to our comprehensive benefit programs including:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans with several types of coverage to State employees and their eligible family members

12 - 16 days of annual paid holidays

At least ¿ eight hours of paid vacation and up to eight hours of paid sick leave ¿ each month for Full-Time employees

Retirement options with the State of Texas Retirement that provide flexibility and security

Health and Wellness programs including wellness leave, fitness and weight management programs, and personalized wellness tools

TCOLE is a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

The Discount Purchase Program provides access to an online marketplace offering discount on a wide range of products and services

For new hires and rehires, health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. More information about benefits is available at https://ers.texas.gov/benefits-at-a-glance

Additional Information

Equal Opportunity Employer ¿ TCOLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

ADA - In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), TCOLE will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the Human Resources Department at 512-936-0831. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Military Occupational Specialty Codes ¿ Military Specialty Codes can be found at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_InformationTechnology.pdf

Veterans Preference ¿ Veterans, surviving spouses, and orphans of veterans may qualify for preference under Texas Government Code Chapter 657 . Applicants who wish to claim Veterans preferencemust provide official documentation at the time of application to verify eligibility.

Salary:

$64000.00 - 70000.00 per Year