Purchasing Agent II

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Kentucky; On-site; USD 48,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky's Cabinet for Health & Family Services is seeking a Purchasing Agent II to lead procurement activities across the Division of Procurement and Grant Oversight. You will develop and issue contracts, SPRs, and grant agreements, while ensuring compliance with state and federal rules.

The ideal candidate has public procurement experience, strong contract management skills, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of procurement laws and contract management principles.
• Public procurement experience.
• Experience developing and negotiating contracts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with stakeholders.
• CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP, NGMA certifications are a plus.
• Experience utilizing report applications and Excel is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Impeccable ethical standards.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze procurement requests to determine appropriate procurement methods; advise and support procurement staff while enforcing established processes and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate and complete procurement records within the Cabinet’s tracking system and the Enterprise Management, Administration, and Reporting System (eMARS). Identify and analyze procedural issues for management review, and prepare detailed correspondence, reports, and documentation as required.
• Partner with requesting entities to plan, develop, and monitor procurements; assist with specification development and vendor negotiations. Collaborate closely with the Office of Legal Services to identify and mitigate contractual and procurement risks.
• Research, interpret, and apply federal and state statutes, administrative regulations, and procurement policies to ensure compliance. Participate in internal compliance reviews and support corrective actions as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Procurement knowledge

Contract management

Communication skills

Ethical standards

Attention to detail

Excel

Report applications

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Report applications

Job description

Advertisement Closes 8/27/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2604250

Purchasing Agent II

Pay Grade 15

Salary $47,531.28 - $71,298.00 Annually

Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Hiring Agency Cabinet for Health & Family Services | Office of the Secretary

Location Location Varies

Are you ready to lead a dedicated team of procurement professionals and make a direct impact on the well-being of Kentuckians? The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Purchasing Agent II to join our Division of Procurement and Grant Oversight (DPGO).

As a Purchasing Agent II, you will play a key role in supporting the mission of CHFS, which is to deliver quality services that enhance the health, safety, and well-being of all people in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Division of Procurement and Grant Oversight (DPGO) is responsible for overseeing all procurement activities within CHFS. This vital team ensures that the Cabinet has the services needed to support its critical programs. DPGO collaborates closely with all departments within the Cabinet, working together to protect and promote the health and welfare of Kentuckians and their communities.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Grant Oversight Branch is a core component of DPGO responsible for managing and administering memoranda of understanding, interagency agreements, and related contractual arrangements on behalf of CHFS.

Be part of a mission-driven organization focused on improving the lives of Kentuckians. Work in a collaborative and supportive environment. Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time. Work location varies. CHFS operates offices throughout Kentucky and will work with selected candidates to identify an appropriate office assignment and, when applicable, telecommuting options.

Responsibilities Include But Not Limited To

• Review and analyze procurement requests to determine appropriate procurement methods; advise and support procurement staff while enforcing established processes and deadlines. Develop and issue procurement documents, including Special Procurement Requests (SPR1s), contracts, and grant agreements.
• Maintain accurate and complete procurement records within the Cabinet’s tracking system and the Enterprise Management, Administration, and Reporting System (eMARS). Identify and analyze procedural issues for management review, and prepare detailed correspondence, reports, and documentation as required.
• Partner with requesting entities to plan, develop, and monitor procurements; assist with specification development and vendor negotiations. Collaborate closely with the Office of Legal Services to identify and mitigate contractual and procurement risks.
• Research, interpret, and apply federal and state statutes, administrative regulations, and procurement policies to ensure compliance. Participate in internal compliance reviews and support corrective actions as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• In-depth knowledge of procurement laws and contract management principles.
• Public procurement experience.
• Experience developing and negotiating contracts. Applicants should be prepared to submit examples.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP, and or NGMA certification is a plus.
• Experience utilizing report applications and Excel is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Impeccable ethical standards.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Minimum Requirements

• EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.
• EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Five years of purchasing experience.
• Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
• Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Additional experience in purchasing, administrative, accounting, procurement or a related field will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Certification as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) from the Universal Public Certification Council will substitute for one year of the required education. Certification as a NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), or Certification as a Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) from the Universal Public Certification Council, or Certification as a Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) from the National Grants Management Association will substitute for two years of the required education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Working Conditions Incumbents working in this job title perform duties in an office setting.

Probationary Period This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

CHFS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in U.S. CHFS will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that CHFS has violated its E- Verify responsibilities, please contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or https://www.e-verify.gov/ .

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Leslie Proctor at [e-mail] or 502-545-4376.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D