Procurement Specialist I

Montgomery County Pennsylvania; Norristown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County is seeking a specialist-level procurement professional for the Office of Procurement. You will procure and expedite a variety of materials, supplies, and equipment for use by all County agencies, and develop sources of supply with formal RFQs.

The role requires knowledge of local government purchasing methods, strong vendor management, contract administration, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Four years of purchasing/contract experience; or two years with an Associate’s degree and related field; or equivalent combination.
• CPPB or equivalent certifications, or ability to obtain within three years of hire.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and MS Office.
• Knowledgeable in local government purchasing methods, and relevant laws.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Procure and expedite a variety of materials, supplies and equipment for all County agencies.
• Develop sources of supply and formal RFQs for items used by County departments.
• Vendor contact and guidance to County users on processes and policies within the Office of Procurement.
• Maintain purchasing records and reconcile POs and invoices; ensure timely, compliant outcomes.
• Resolve discrepancies and follow up with departments or vendors as needed.

Skills

Government purchasing

Vendor management

Contract administration

Attention to detail

Communication skills

ERP software

Education

Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Purchasing, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP software

Job description

This is a specialist-level position within the Office of Procurement and under general supervision, performs purchasing assignments by procuring and expediting a variety of materials, supplies and equipment for use by all County agencies. Develops sources of supply and formal Requests for Quotation for items for use by all County agencies.

This involves vendor contact as well as contact with most County Departments. Position instructs users as to processes and policies within the Office of Procurement.

• Comprehensive knowledge of local government purchasing methods, techniques, principles, practices, and legal requirements for procuring commodities and services.


• Working knowledge of the functions, organization, operations, commodities, services, and supplier markets applicable to County departments and agencies.


• Ability to prepare detailed specifications for formal bidding, process purchasing activities, reconcile purchase orders and invoices, and manage inventory control accurately.


• Demonstrated ability to resolve purchasing discrepancies, clarify bid or requisition issues, and follow up with departments or vendors to ensure timely and compliant outcomes.


• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and accuracy in processing purchasing transactions, invoices, tax exemption certificates, and related financial documentation.


• Willingness and ability to assume additional responsibilities as assigned and adapt to changing operational needs.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County departments, coworkers, and suppliers using principles of sound customer service and professionalism.


• Commitment to ethical conduct, confidentiality, dependability, and compliance with the County Employee Code of Ethics, including reliability in attendance and timeliness.


• Proficiency in maintaining purchasing records, using office equipment and technology, and processing documentation efficiently within established systems.


• Effective communication skills, including answering phones, greeting visitors, and maintaining a professional, business-like manner in written and verbal interactions.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• Four years of experience in purchasing/contract experience; or


• Two years of experience as described above and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Purchasing, or related field; or


• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Licensing and Certifications

• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or equivalent certifications, or the ability to obtain within three years of hire.

Competencies, Skills and Other Experience

• Knowledgeable in the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software systems.


• Working knowledge of Pennsylvania Department of General Services contracts and other cooperative purchasing agreements.


• Ability to effectively multitask and manage competing priorities.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams; and the ability to adapt to new software, systems and technology tools as needed.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The physical demands and work environment here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; see; talk and hear.


• Significant and repeated use of a keyboard.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EOE

Montgomery County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.