Procurement Agent 1

Harford County Public Schools; Bel Air (MD); On-site; USD 94,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Harford County Public Schools in Bel Air, MD is seeking a Procurement Agent I to serve in Central Office – Business Services. This 12-month, full-time role handles procurement, contracts, bid processing, and vendor relations to support educational operations.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in business or related field, CPPB preferred, and at least five years of purchasing experience; strong communication and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field required.
• CPPB certification from NIGP preferred.
• Five years of successful experience in purchasing or related field.
• Exemplary oral and written communication skills.
• Familiar with budgeting, invoicing, and accounts payable functions.

Responsibilities

• Establish quality standards for items to be purchased and prepare purchase specifications.
• Prepare contracts for procurement of educational materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Prepare, receive, and evaluate bids, RFPs, and quotations and recommend awards.
• Establish and maintain a purchase/delivery schedule and follow up on deliveries.
• Develop and maintain sources of supply and promote good vendor relations.
• Promote a customer service orientation while adhering to regulatory requirements.
• Visit schools and administrative sites as needed to enhance performance in assigned areas.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Vendor relations

Budgeting and accounts payable

Task coordination

Attention to detail

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

CPPB certification preferred

Tools

E-procurement software

Procurement credit cards

Job description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

December 4, 2025

HCPS is committed to recruiting and retaining effective and diverse educators and staff to build a climate of student success and improve learning experiences for every child in every classroom.

PROCUREMENT AGENT I – Central Office – Business Services

To successfully perform as general procurement agent in several commodity and service classifications with responsibility for procurement, material management, and disposal of materials, supplies, and equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY

INCLUDE

These items are intended only as examples of the various types of job duties to be performed; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

Works with staff to establish quality standards for items to be purchased and prepares purchase specifications for each item in accordance with needs.

Prepares contracts for the procurement of educational materials, supplies, and equipment.

Prepares, receives, and evaluates bids, RFPs, and quotations in assigned categories and make recommendations for award.

Establishes and maintains a schedule for the purchase and delivery of items and takes the necessary steps, including follow-ups, to ensure planned deliveries.

Develops and maintains, in assigned categories, adequate and reliable sources of supply and promotes and maintains good vendor relations.

Establishes procedures for evaluating supplies and equipment in regard to its educational use and to maintain the required quality and safety standards.

Develops standard lists of supplies and equipment, estimates of costs, and trends for budget purposes.

Keeps up to date with changing needs in educational supplies and equipment.

Performs price and spend analysis for various commodities and/or services to direct district spend.

Maintains web-based e-procurement functionality.

Posts formal solicitations, and related results on HCPS website.

Maintains necessary records in order that procurement of items for the system may be handled in an effective and efficient manner.

Utilizes E-procurement business practices including the use of procurement credit cards.

Plans, coordinates and implements Just-In-Time contracts for commodities and services.

Visits schools and administrative sites as needed to enhance performance in assigned areas of responsibility.

Maintains positive vendor relationships through meetings and other contacts.

Promotes a customer service orientation while adhering to statutory and regulatory requirements.

Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

SALARY

This is a twelve-month position. Salary range based on the FY 2025-2026 AHCATSP (Grade D) Salary Schedule for Non-Certified Administrative, Technical and Supervisory Professionals Personnel.Starting Salary: $93,850 – Maximum Earnings Potential $123,833.

HCPS offers an expansive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, retirement savings, pension, paid time off, and more.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business or a related field.

Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certificate from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) is preferred.

Five years of successful experience in purchasing or a related field.

Experience with automated procurement technology and internet-based procurement applications.

Exemplary oral and written communication skills.

Able to coordinate and accomplish tasks when working with a wide range of HCPS staff.

Able to exercise good judgment in making decisions within established general guidelines.

Familiar with budgeting, invoicing, and accounts payable functions.

Able to perform tasks requiring meticulous attention to detail.

DEADLINE

Online applications will be accepted for this vacancy until the position is successfully filled. Candidates who apply by 11:59 PM on Thursday, December 18, 2025, will receive immediate consideration.

The Board of Education of Harford County is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We adhere to the principles of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Board of Education of Harford County prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, or any other protected characteristic in any program or activity it operates. The Board of Education of Harford County encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Inquiries or concerns about your rights related to Title IX can be directed to our Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Eric Davis, at 102 South Hickory Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014, 410-588-5202, or [e-mail] . Inquiries related to your rights under Title VI or Title VII can be directed to our Coordinator of Investigations, Ms. Renee McGlothlin, at 410-809-6087 or [e-mail] . Harford County Public Schools’ non-discrimination policy can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: (hcps.org) and found on the HCPS website under Board of Education Policies and Procedures. Harford County Public Schools’ non-discrimination statement can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: (hcps.org) and found on HCPS’ homepage.

AFFIRMING EQUAL EMPLOYMENT IN PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE

HCPS is committed to recruiting and retaining effective and diverse educators and staff to build a climate of student success and improve learning experiences for every child in every classroom.

The Harford County Public School System (HCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, genetic information, or disability in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs to employees. Inquiries related to the non-discrimination policy of the Board of Education of Harford County should be directed to the Supervisor of Equity and Cultural Proficiency, 410-809-6065 .

Job Info

• Job Identification 462
• Job Category Supervisory and Technical
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 102 S Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD, 21014, US (On-site)