Purchasing Agent

Finance; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, NC is seeking a qualified Purchasing Agent to manage procurement of supplies, materials, services, and equipment. Work includes processing requisitions, creating and submitting purchase orders, and supporting the p-card program under the Director of Procurement.

Minimum qualifications include an Associate degree and 3 years of purchasing experience with increasing responsibility.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in public administration, business administration, or related field.
• Three years of purchasing experience with increasing responsibility.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to negotiate, contract, and procure goods per policy.
• Strong communication and vendor management skills.
• Knowledge of state and federal procurement regulations.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, Windows and Microsoft Office; Oracle.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures.
• Receive and review requisitions in ERP system for completion.
• Create purchase orders, verify information, and submit to vendors.
• Assist in supporting the p-card program including training and reconciliation.
• Provide information to schools and departments regarding regulations, costs, and availability.
• Assist in resolving issues from purchase orders to final payment of invoices.
• Review specifications for items requiring quotes or bidding.
• Prepare IFBs, RFQs, and RFPs for the district and evaluate vendors.
• Assist in vendor management and evaluating best value vendors.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Purchasing basics

NC regulations

GAAP knowledge

Contract bidding

Office & Oracle

Strong communication

Vendor relations

Judgment & tact

Document control

Education

Associate degree in public administration

Tools

Oracle

Microsoft Office

AI software

Job description

Purchasing Agent

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools - Charlotte, North Carolina Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in North Carolina School Jobs

Job Details

Job ID: 5893603

Application Deadline: Sep 03, 2026 4:59 AM (UTC)

Posted: Aug 19, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

General Definition of Work

The purchasing agent under general supervision, performs intermediate-level work with minimal decision-making discretion related to purchasing supplies, materials, services, and equipment at optimum price, quality, and timely delivery in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Employee performs district-level work to carry out Board of Education policies under the direction of the Director of Procurement.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

NC 12 Salary Non-Certified Schedule/Full-time, 12 months

Reports To

Director of Procurement

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Receive and review requisitions received in ERP system for completion, ensuring compliance with all federal, State of North Carolina, and CMBE regulations
• Create purchase orders, verify information is accurate, and electronically submit purchase orders to vendor
• Assist in supporting the p-card program including; training, reconciliation, card distribution, etc.
• Provide information and assistance to schools and department employees regarding regulations, costs, descriptions, and availability of items meeting their specifications
• Assist in resolving problems and issues associated with vendors from the initial purchase order phase to final payment of invoice (e.g investigation of complaints regarding shortages, receipt of incorrect or damaged materials, supplies and equipment; obtaining credits for shortages, etc.)
• Review specifications for item(s) requiring quotes/bidding
• Prepare invitations for bid (IFBs), requests for quotes (RFQs), and request for proposals (RFPs) for the district
• Review these documents with other agents or the Procurement Director prior to finalizing; perform comprehensive evaluation of vendors, cost, availability, quality of products, etc.; make necessary awards based on evaluation
• Assist in vendor management which includes assisting with vendor applications and verification
• Interview vendors for sources of supply, prices, product information, new products, standards, and follow-up; selecting vendors based on the best overall value to the district
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• General knowledge of the fundamental procedures and practices of purchasing
• Basic knowledge of the State of NC Purchasing regulations
• General knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures as applied to accounting procedures, transactions, and audits
• Basic knowledge of formal and informal contract bidding processes
• Knowledge and application of computer software, including Windows and Microsoft Office, and Oracle and Artificial Intelligence software
• Ability to communicate exceptionally, both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, schools, departments, and the public
• Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and firmness in frequent contact with vendors and internal customers
• Ability to exercise judgment in resolving problems and overcoming difficult situations
• Ability to maintain detailed files concerning vendors and delivery schedules

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in public administration, business administration, or related field required
• Three years of experience in purchasing with increasing responsibility, including extensive experience acquired through application of negotiating, contracting and procurement principal required
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

Special Requirements

• Preferred: Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.), Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) designations from the Institute of Supply Management; Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer (CLGPO) designation from the Carolinas Association of Governmental Purchasing; Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) designations from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council
• Experience with Truist Enterprise P-Card Software preferred
• Possess and maintain a Valid Driver’s License or ability to provide own transportation.
• Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings

Position Type: Not provided

Job Requirements

Contact Information

• CMS Staff
• 600 E. Fourth Street
• Fifth Floor
• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]