Purchasing Specialist

Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting on the CAPPS Careers page.https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psp/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FLandAction=UandFOCUS=ApplicantandSiteId=1andJobOpeningId=100238andPostingSeq=1Agency InformationPurchasing SpecialistTo apply for any posted position with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, please register or log in at:https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psc/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant Resumes are not accepted in lieu of State of Texas application All positions with TCOLE are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to an in-depth background investigation including criminal history, employment history and references, military, education, and personal references. Employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required. Our Mission The mission of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, as a regulatory State agency, is to establish and enforce standards to ensure that the people of Texas are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement, corrections, and telecommunications personnel.Who Were Looking ForThe Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is seeking a Purchasing Specialist (Purchaser V) to join the Finance Division located at 6330 E HWY 290, Suite 200, Austin, TX. The employee performs highly advanced (senior-level) purchasing and procurement work which involves planning, coordinating, and managing the purchase of commodities and services, preparing and managing procurement documents, monitoring and maintaining detailed records of items purchased, received, prepared, and issued. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. The salary range is $64,000 - $70,000. This Job Class for this position is 1934 and salary group is B21.Essential Job DutiesProcesses CAPPS requisitions and purchase orders for routine goods and services, solicitations, grants, and contracts.Executes emergency and proprietary purchases in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.Manages procurement card requests, ensuring all transactions meet established compliance and documentation requirements.Coordinates purchases through the Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) and Department of Information Resources (DIR), including reviewing and drafting detailed specifications and proprietary justification letters.Ensures adherence to purchasing requirements for commodities and services available through setaside programs, as well as term, DIR, and TXMAS contracts. Issues purchase orders (POs) through Texas SmartBuy and CAPPS to support timely and compliant procurement activities.Plans, coordinates, and manages complex procurements for goods and services, preparing detailed specifications for Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Offers (RFOs), and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs).Oversees the full solicitation lifecycle from development through contract execution, including posting to the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD), facilitating evaluation team meetings, compiling scoring matrices, conducting cost analyses, reviewing vendor responses, determining best value, and preparing award recommendations.Ensures all procurement activities comply with agency policies, Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) requirements, and applicable statutory regulations.Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders throughout every phase of the procurement cycle to maintain accuracy, ensure compliance, and support timely and effective contract execution.Manages purchase order (PO) balances to ensure alignment with associated contracts, amendments, and budgetary requirements.Maintains complete and accurate documentation for all procurement activities.Ensures procu ement files are organized and retained in accordance with applicable records retention policies and regulatory requirements.Supports the coordination and fulfillment of Public Information Requests, ensuring accuracy and timely response.Serves as the backup Procurement Card Administrator, supporting procurement card operations and ensuring continuity of services and compliance with applicable policies and procedures.May travel up to 5% of the time including occasional overnight travel. May drive and travel to attend and represent the Commission at meetings, seminars and conferences.Minimum QualificationsBachelors Degree from accredited university in business administration, public administration, or a related field. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.Three (3) years of full-time purchasing experience.Experience utilizing an automated purchasing system (CAPPS or Peoplesoft).Experience with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) and/or Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesRequired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of state procurement methods, statewide purchasing programs, emergency and proprietary purchasing requirements, as well as procurement systems, policies, and compliance standards.Skill in managing complex procurements, developing detailed specifications and solicitation documents, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies, effectively using procurement and related systems.Ability to independently manage procurement processes, exercise sound judgement in complex and time sensitive situations, maintain audit ready documentation and ensure compliance, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, and provide technical guidance on procurement policies and procedures.Knowledge and experience with purchasing methods and procedures.Knowledge and experience with formal, competitive solicitations for a State o