COORDINATOR-PURCHASING

Harmony Public Schools; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmony Public Schools is seeking a Purchasing Coordinator responsible for overseeing procurement functions, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and negotiating terms with vendors. Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and have a minimum of one year of experience in purchasing.

The role involves assistance with vendor databases, managing the electronic bidding system, and providing procurement training. Effective communication skills and knowledge of purchasing laws are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum 1 year of professional experience in purchasing.
• Knowledge of legal requirements of school district purchasing.

Responsibilities

• Plan and organize procurement functions for the school.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with vendors.
• Manage the competitive procurement process.

Skills

Knowledge of purchasing principles

Effective communication

Computer skills

Data analysis

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

TASBO or Certified Purchasing Manager certification

Job description

JOB GOAL: The Purchasing Coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing and supervising the comprehensive procurement functions for Harmony Public Schools in compliance with mandated requirements; responding to a range of inquiries regarding processes or bid status; negotiating terms and conditions with vendors and/or service providers; and achieving department objectives and goals.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Degree in Business or related field (preferred)
• Minimum 1 year of professional experience in the purchasing (preferred)
• TASBO or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) certification (preferred)

Duties And Responsibilities

• Understands and supports the mission, vision and values of Harmony Public Schools.
• Provides assistance with updating approved vendor databases, purchasing databases, and contract management.
• Assists in the development of training materials, newsletters, brochures, forms, procedures and notices for budget authorities, purchasing and other business services departments.
• Assists with the full cycle of the competitive procurement process, including the development of bid specifications, distribution of proposal documents, advertising requirements, bid openings, vendor evaluations, negotiation, and contract award recommendation in accordance with board policy and legal requirements.
• Manages centralized accounts by coordinating new account creations for new locations, handling user account maintenance and payments, and serving as the liaison between account representatives and end users.
• Administers the District’s electronic bidding system.
• Maintains files for various purchasing cooperatives and interlocal agreements, prepares a list of all cooperatives and interlocal agreements for annual Finance Committee approval, and manages communications with purchasing cooperatives. Also maintains files of all contractual agreements and requests additional information for attachment to requisitions when required (written quotes, required bonds, insurance documentation, board minutes, etc.).
• Requests quotes from vendors for various items in order to obtain the best pricing, stays abreast of vendor pricing when appropriate to ensure best value, and develops and implements an ongoing training program for District staff on purchasing laws, contracts, travel and buying procedures, as well as how to use the financial software to enter requisitions.
• Establishes professional, fair, and impartial vendor relations, evaluates and monitors contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and determines corrective action; handles adjustments/disputes with suppliers, including replacement of material not conforming to specifications, cancellation of orders, and ensuring receipt of proper credit.
• Provides general assistance to the Director of Purchasing and other department staff in all areas of procurement, attends training on matters related to the purchasing department, and performs other duties as assigned.

Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, procedures, and legal requirements of school district purchasing and contracts, including federal, state and local competitive bidding statutes and purchasing procedures.
• Ability to conduct needs assessments for materials and resources needed for procurement.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internal and external to the district.
• Ability to use computer including software, database used by the district, spreadsheet and word processing software, calculator, copy machine and telephone.
• Ability to analyze data and use effective interview techniques, effective public speaking skills, and problem‑solving skills.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

• Light work: may require occasional light lifting.
• Nights and weekend activities will be occasionally required.
• Position is in office setting and may involve prolonged work at a desk in one location.
• Light travel is required.