Procurement Specialist

Salary : $62,720.50 - $94,080.75 Annually

Location : Monroe, NC

Job Type : Full-Time Regular

Job Number : 424008

Department : Procurement

Opening Date : 01 / 14 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 23 / 2025 11 : 00 PM Eastern

General Statement

The Procurement Specialist, under limited supervision, performs procurement and administrative work in the Procurement Division of the Administrative Services area. Work primarily involves coordinating the purchasing activities of County departments to ensure compliance with North Carolina statutes and local policy while ensuring that Union County receives the best return for money spent without sacrificing quality. This employee prepares, evaluates and Invitation for Bid (ITB), / Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), and Request for Information (RFI) and quotes for the procurement of specific commodities and / or services. The employee also develops and manages procurement related transactions for office supply contracts, information technology projects and other procurement related needs for various agencies throughout the organization; assists with procurement card program, and the sale of surplus goods within all county facilities; assists with organizing procurement training for departments; and alerts minority businesses of upcoming projects and reports results to the state. The employee must also exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with vendors.

Essential Functions

Purchases apparatus, supplies, materials, equipment and construction related items.

Creates and processes IFB, RFP, RFQ, RFI and quotes.

Develops and manages procurement activities related information technology, furniture, office supplies, fuel, professional services, construction services and other assigned commodities and / or Agencies.

Facilitates the procurement process of various methodologies (IFB, RFP, RFQ, and RFI, cooperative) per County's Policy, Procedures and applicable State or Federal requirements.

Assists with training County staff on purchasing procedures and financial and procurement systems.

Monitors purchasing contracts.

Verifies and processes requisitions in Munis.

Assist departments to insure suppliers respond appropriately when issues of delivery, cost or quality exist.

Assists with planning surplus sale; sells County surplus through chosen internet vendor.

Manages and implements recycling (reuse) of surplus within Union County departments.

Assists with implementing and managing the P-Card Program.

Manages various audit initiatives.

Informs requisitioners of bid procedures.

Assists with overseeing departmental purchasing.

Interviews potential vendors.

Directs and coordinates activities of requisitioners.

Consults and negotiates with vendors.

Maintains continuing knowledge of North Carolina purchasing laws.

Administers office supply, apparel and other applicable organization wide contracts. Conducts pre-bid conferences and bid openings.

Prepares and issues addendums and / or amendments as needed.

Seeks reliable vendors to provide quality goods at reasonable prices.

Assist departments with tests and researches products for durability and practicality.

Works closely with Construction Manager on construction projects.

Researches state and federal contracts for updates and changes.

Prepares and submits minority reports (i.e., Historically Underutilized Businesses - "HUB") to the state.

Maintains vendor database.

Perform liaison / administrator duties for on-line business accounts, such as Office Depot, Amazon, and Lowe's.

Develops various procurement reports within the approved software system.

Writes advertisements for local newspapers for upcoming bids.

Trains new employees on purchasing procedures.

Assists with updating and improving the purchasing webpage and County Connect.

Maintains bid document files.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience :

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration with a concentration in Accounting, or in a related field, or related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing work; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications :

Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer (CLGPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Public Manager (CPM) certifications are preferable. Employee has two (2) years to secure applicable Procurement / Purchasing Certification (Manager may extend as needed).

Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience :

Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field is preferred. Three (3) years' experience with purchasing commodities, information technology, professional services and / or construction services preferably in a governmental or similar institutional agency.

Licenses or Certifications :

Certification with Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer (CLGPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Public Manager (CPM) certifications.

Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines which includes computers, copiers, calculators, fax machines, postage meters, microfiche equipment, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and / or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are for those of Medium Work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the need to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

INSURANCE PROGRAMS

HEALTH INSURANCE

All full-time employees and their eligible dependents can participate on the first day of the first full month of employment. You must sign up for coverage within your first 30 days of employment or wait until the annual enrollment period. Health Reimbursement Account Preventative Care Coverage Prescription Coverage Vision Coverage

DENTAL INSURANCE

All full-time employees and their eligible dependents can participate on the first day of the first full month of employment. You must sign up for coverage within your first 30 days of employment or wait until the annual enrollment period.

LIFE INSURANCE

Basic Term life Insurance in the amount of one times the annual salary is provided for all full-time and benefitted part-time employees. Additional coverage is available for purchase through payroll deduction for the employee and eligible dependents.

FINANCIAL PROGRAMS

RETIREMENT

Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System is a requirement for all full-time and benefitted part-time employees. Employees contribute six percent (6%) of their annual compensation before it is taxed. If you leave County service before retirement, you may withdraw your retirement contributions or elect to freeze your contributions in anticipation of future local government employment. If you have five (5) years of service, you are 100% vested in the NCLGERS.

NC401(k)

The NC401(k) supplemental retirement program is available to full-time and benefitted part-time employees. The County establishes this 401(k) account for each eligible employee and makes a five percent (5%) contribution based on biweekly earnings. Employees may elect to make voluntary contributions through payroll deduction.

457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The 457 Deferred Compensation program is available to all employees through payroll deduction. Deferred compensation is a voluntary investment plan to supplement retirement income and to defer taxable income.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS

Options are available to regular full-time and benefitted part-time employees who wish to use pre-tax dollars for eligible medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and daycare expenses. The Flex Debit Card program gives you instant access to your account funds.

Health Care Spending Account Section 125 of the IRS Code allows yearly voluntary enrollment to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health care expenses.

Dependent Care Spending Account Section 125 of the IRS Code allows yearly voluntary enrollment to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible dependent care expenses.

DIRECT DEPOSIT

Deposit of your paycheck will be made to checking or savings accounts in a bank of your choice.

CREDIT UNION

Local Government Federal Credit Union membership is available to all employees. Once you join, you can remain a member for as long as you choose. Immediate family members such as : spouse, children, stepchildren, brothers, sisters and parents can all become members.

TRUIST

No Overdraft Fees

100 Negative Balance Buffer

Online and Mobile Banking with Bill Pay

LEAVE PROGRAMS

VACATION LEAVE

Vacation leave is accrued based on creditable years of service in the Local Government Employees Retirement System.

SICK LEAVE

For full-time County employees, sick leave accrues at eight (8.0) hours per month. Benefitted part-time employees accrue prorated sick leave based on a percentage of the full-time rate. Your unused sick leave balance can be applied as creditable service toward a service retirement under the guidelines of the NCLGERS.

SICK LEAVE TRANSFER FROM OTHER AGENCIES

Unused sick leave earned from another North Carolina Governmental Agency and / or entity, will be accepted and transferred to the County as follows : twelve (12) sick leave days will be transferred and added to the employees active sick leave balance after completion of six (6) months of employment. The remaining balance of sick leave documented for transfer at the time of employment will be recorded in the employees permanent personnel file. On the fifth anniversary of employment with the County, the remaining balance of transferred sick leave will be added to the employees active sick leave balance.

HOLIDAYS

There are 12 County recognized holidays per year with 1 floating holiday available.

MILITARY LEAVE

Annual Training - 10 paid workdays granted.

Active Duty - 20 paid workdays granted.

CIVIL LEAVE

Paid leave is provided to full-time or regular part-time County employees called for jury duty or as a witness of the court for the federal or state government, or a subdivision thereof.

FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

Federal law provides job protection and continuation of existing paid health insurance during 12 weeks of leave, paid or unpaid, to an eligible employee for qualifying events. These events can include birth or adoption, and serious illness of an immediate family member, or of the employee.

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE

Parental Leave provides the employee paid leave for the first eight weeks of approved FML for the birth of a son or daughter, or placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

Educational Leave is available to regular full-time and benefitted part-time employees when participating in a job-related, short course, such as an update, not to exceed ten (10) consecutive working days.

VOLUNTEER TIME OFF

Volunteer Time Off will provide employes with 16 hours of paid time per calender year to volunteer at approved Union County community partner agencies.

OTHER PROGRAMS

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Employee Assistance Program is open to all employees and their dependents. It is a confidential service provided at no cost to the employees of the County. EAP provides certified counselors who administer assessment and brief therapy to employees who want help with a variety of personal and work-related issues such as stress, parenting concerns, grief, alcohol / drug use, family problems, financial concerns, and work-related problems.

AQUATIC AND FITNESS CENTER

We believe that staying healthy is more than just exercising regularly and eating well. Individual and family discount membership and monthly dues are available to full-time and benefitted part-time employees through payroll deduction.

NATIONAL COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM

The National College Savings Program is open to all employees. The Program is designed to provide certain tax advantages, encourage and facilitate saving to pay the costs of attending eligible institutions.

List any current licenses and / or certifications.

Which of the following best describes your level of experience in developing, administering and evaluating public (i.e., IFB's, RFP's and RFQ's) or private sector construction related contracts and agreements? (Example : construction, architectural / engineering, heavy equipment, etc...)

• 3 months to 2 years' experience
• 3 to 6 years' experience
• More than 7 years' experience
• No experience

How many years' experience do you have processing complex procurement items in the public or private sector?

Briefly describe the type of experience you have processing requisitions to purchase orders for various goods and / or commodities, etc... (Limit response to 15 line max.)

Briefly describe your experience with Procurement Card Programs (P-Card).

Which areas do you consider yourself to be a subject matter expert? (Select all that apply)

Required Question

Salary : $62,721 - $94,081