Purchasing Specialist II

Johnston County Public Schools; Smithfield (NC); On-site; USD 43,524 - 54,984; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State Employees and Teachers Retirement Plan

State Employees Health Plan

Dental and Vision benefits

Paid Holidays

Annual and Sick Leave

Extensive training opportunities

Job summary

An educational institution is looking for a Purchasing Specialist II to manage the procurement processes at its Central Office in North Carolina. The specialist will oversee bids, maintain contracts, and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business and become certified as a Local Government Purchasing Officer. This is a full-time role offering a salary range of $43,524 to $54,984 annually, with various benefits including health plans and training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must be a Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer (CLGPO) or willing to become certified.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the procurement process from start to finish.
• Primary point of contact for all procurement processes over $90,000.
• Prepare RFP/RFQ documentation with specifications provided by the requesting department.

Skills

Communication Skills

Time Management

Confidentiality

Initiative

Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Business, or related field

Job description

Purchasing Specialist II

Johnston County Public Schools Financial Services - Smithfield, North Carolina Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5463987

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Dec 09, 2025 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

POSITION: Purchasing Specialist II

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Purchasing

PAY GRADE: Grade 70/71; Range - $43,524 - $54,984 Annually

LOCATION: Central Office - Simpson Building (AP Mobile)

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: Permanent, twelve months per year

Effective: 1/2/2026

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under general supervision of the Director of Purchasing, oversee the procurement process from start to finish.
• Primary point of contact for all procurement processes for expenses that are expected to meet or exceed a $90,000 total award value, and all service contracts that are expected to meet or exceed a $30,000 total award value.
• Determine the most appropriate procurement method while considering legal requirements, school and departmental needs, maximized competition, and public perception.
• Gather all required information to prepare RFP/RFQ (etc.) with specifications provided by the requesting department.
• Submittal RFP/RFQs to the Director of Purchasing for review and approval.
• Post and advertise RFP/RFQs as needed and obtain copies of all postings.
• Accept bids for RFP/RFQs.
• Maintain all RFP/RFQs checklists, ensuring all documentation is received.
• Secure location for bid openings/meetings.
• Monitoring purchasing email for all vendor questions.
• Communicate with JCPS staff when questions are submitted.
• Ensure JCPS staff posts all answers to RFP questions by deadlines.
• Communicate with other purchasing department staff members if there are emails they need to address.
• Assist the requesting department with the financial and legal aspects of the bidding and bid review process.
• Run bid openings and evaluation meetings in the absence of the Purchasing Director.
• Submit all contracts over $90K to the Purchasing Director for review.
• Submit contracts to the Board attorneys for review as needed in the absence of the Purchasing Director.
• Obtain Pre‑Audit signature on all contracts and additional signatures to have a fully‑executed contract.
• Send final contracts to the requesting department so that the requesting department can place it on the Board Agenda.
• Once Board approved, have the requisition keyed and email PO to the vendor and requesting department.
• Monitors bid and contract requirements from preparation of specifications to end of term contract.
• Contact departments annually within the last quarter of the fiscal year to discuss contract needs effective July 1 so all RFP, bidding, and approval processes are complete for PO preparation on July 1 annually, with assistance from the Purchasing Specialist.
• Maintain contracts database and all Finance Department contracts and work with the Director of Purchasing for each renewal.
• Assist school/departments with informal quote requirements.
• Works with departments closely ensuring proper execution of contracts prior to start of services.
• Monthly contract reconciliation ensuring year‑to‑date expenditures are within the contract and PO terms.
• Maintain all bidding documentation.
• Final approver of all school/department requisitions.
• Releases online orders.
• Cross training with P‑Card requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

ACCEPTABLE KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Business, or related field? Must be a Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer (CLGPO) or willing to become certified.
• Working knowledge of purchasing concepts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Effective time management skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff and vendors.

DEADLINE: Open until filled

Salary and Benefits

• Pay range $43,524- $54,984 annually depending upon relevant experience and education.
• State Employees and Teachers Retirement Plan.
• State Employees Health Plan.
• Dental, Vision, Disability and other benefits offered.
• Holidays off with pay, annual leave, and sick leave.
• Extensive training opportunities.

DISCLAIMERS: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.

Johnston County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the employment or promotion of employees on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national origin or disability.

Position Type: Full‑Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Contact Information

• Kristina Benson , Certified Hiring Director
• 2320 US 70 Bus Hwy E.
• Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]