PURCHASING SPECIALIST - 72001773

State of Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Florida’s Division of State Purchasing in Tallahassee seeks a Purchasing Specialist to support procurement projects and contract development. You will analyze vendor proposals, draft procurement documents, and help craft strategies that maximize value for state agencies.

The role emphasizes collaboration, accuracy, and compliance with Florida statutes, offering hands-on government contracting experience in a fast-paced public sector environment.

Qualifications

• 1 year of professional experience in procurement, market research, or contracts.
• Experience with procurement documentation and contract drafting is desirable.
• Knowledge of government contracting processes and compliance is preferred.
• Familiarity with Florida statutes and administrative code is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-depth research and analytical support for procurement projects and contract documents.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies to maximize value and minimize cost for government contracts.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with vendors and state agencies.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders and maintain thorough documentation.

Skills

Procurement proficiency

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Research skills

Independent work

Writing skills

Knowledge of Florida statutes

Tools

MyFloridaMarketPlace

Ariba

Tableau

Job description

Purchasing Specialist
Division of State Purchasing
State of Florida Department of Management Services
This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

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The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on ourE-Verify Website .

Requisition No:880698

Agency: Management Services

Working Title: PURCHASING SPECIALIST - 72001773

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This position serves as a Purchasing Specialist in the Division of State Purchasing. This position requires a natural curiosity to explore innovative solutions, stay up to date on industry trends, and continuously seek improvements in procurement processes. This is an exciting opportunity to obtain hands‑on experience in government contracting, create value for state agencies, and serve the State of Florida.

The day-to-day responsibilities for this position include providing in-depth research and analytical support for a variety of procurement projects and drafting contract documents. This position’s responsibilities also include developing and executing procurement strategies that are designed to maximize customer satisfaction and minimize cost for government contracts.

The Division of State Purchasing values innovation, collaboration, and effective communication. Our mission is empowerment, both internally and externally. The ideal candidate will be able to actively contribute to this mission, is energized by a fast‑paced environment, and has an appetite for challenging work. The candidate should welcome innovation, efficiency, and change. Additionally, the ideal candidate strives to deliver a quality work product and embraces our collaborative work environment by contributing both positively and frequently.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The candidate should exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Effective communication and active listening skills to interface with many different stakeholder groups, including public procurement officials, vendors, state agencies, or other governmental entities
• Critical thinking skills to analyze and apply research to make informed, strategic, and efficient decisions
• Ability to maintain a strong attention to detail when analyzing and preparing complex contract documents
• Ability to multi-task on different projects to meet deadlines
• Ability to be resourceful and curious, and take initiative to learn and apply new procurement strategies
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex contract documents and data related to contract spend
• Ability to maintain a positive demeanor and demonstrate exemplary customer service
• Proficient in standard office applications
• Ability to work independently and in a group setting when necessary
• Exhibits excellent writing skills catered to a variety of audiences
• Knowledge of Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code
• Participates in moderately complex negotiations

Minimum Qualifications:

• 1 year professional experience in procurement, market research, or contracts

Preferred Qualifications:

• Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM)
• Experience using MyFloridaMarketPlace, Ariba, and Tableau

Our Organization and Mission:

Under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, Secretary Tom Berger and DMS' Executive Leadership Team, the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) is a customer‑oriented agency with a broad portfolio that includes the efficient use and management of real estate, procurement, human resources, group insurance, retirement, telecommunications, fleet, and federal property assistance programs used throughout Florida’s state government. It is against this backdrop that DMS strives to demonstrate its motto, "We serve those who serve Florida."

Special Notes:

DMS is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following provided email addresses:

[e-mail]
[e-mail]

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DMS Human Resources (HR) Office at [phone]. DMS requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE.

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes,candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.