General Description:

Under the direction of the Purchasing Board, the Purchasing Agent is an appointed position responsible for directing all administrative and management aspects of the procurement function of the County. As an independent official, the Purchasing Agent is part of the “checks and balances” system established by the State legislature. The role involves facilitating requests from various county departments, determining whether to “make or buy” commodities, ensuring purchases align with federal, state, and local laws, county policies, and ethical standards as mandated by the Texas Local Government Code.

The Purchasing Board assigns work based on department goals and objectives. The Board reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities. The Purchasing Board is composed of three (3) judges of the district courts in the county and two (2) members of the commissioners’ court of the county.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervisory Responsibility: As a function of coordinating the daily operation of the department, this position exercises direct supervision over the Assistant Purchasing Agent, one (1) Office Coordinator/P-Card Administrator, one (1) Contract Administrator, one (1) Purchasing Asset Coordinator, one (1) Senior Buyer, and one (1) Buyer-Vendor Management, and one (1) Buyer-Bid Management. Maintains training of staff to ensure current trends and accepted procedures are relevant. Approves the selection of new employees, employee transfers, promotions, discipline, discharging, and salary increases for procurement staff.
Procurement of Goods and Services: Facilitate the acquisition of supplies, equipment, services, and construction for county departments by obtaining quotes, reviewing requisitions, and selecting vendors based on price, quality, reliability, and availability in a cost-effective and legally compliant manner.
- Provides, develops, and maintains general oversight and administration of the County’s Purchasing Policies & Procedures in accordance with Federal, State, and Local laws to optimize expenditure of county funds while advising and educating end-user departments of procurement guidelines and ensuring compliance.
- Presents purchase and contracting recommendations to the Commissioners’ Court for consideration and serves and facilitates as a member of various committees involving County projects and/or long-range capital improvement initiatives as they relate to public procurement policies and procedures.
- Comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal grant requirements, including but not limited to those from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Texas General Land Office (GLO), and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Comprehensive knowledge of legislation, current problems, and professional literature related to purchasing and procurement.
Contract and Bid Management: Prepare and issue solicitations such as Invitations to Bid (ITB), Requests for Proposals (RFP), and Requests for Qualifications (RFQ). Evaluate vendor responses, negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with specifications and legal requirements.
Cost Efficiency: Analyze financial data, market trends, and vendor proposals to secure the best value for the county while balancing cost and quality.
Inventory and Asset Management: Assist in maintaining asset inventories and coordinate the disposal of surplus county property.
Compliance and Ethics: Ensure all procurement activities adhere to applicable laws, county ordinances, and ethical standards.
Vendor Relations: Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, negotiate pricing and terms, and resolve issues related to delivery or quality.
Documentation and Reporting: Prepare purchase orders, maintain accurate records of transactions, and generate reports on purchasing activities, including cost analyses and savings.
Emergency Support: Provide logistical and resource management support during emergencies, such as coordinating critical supplies.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completing a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
Acquired certification status of a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), or Certified Professional Public Officer (CPPO) or, Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), or equivalent from a nationally recognized professional procurement organization or university.
Ten (10) years of experience in a public/governmental purchasing operation; five (5) years in a supervisory management position.
Must be able to complete at a minimum, 25 hours in courses related to the duties of the County Purchasing Agent during each two (2) year term in office.
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
Ability to be bonded.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of public purchasing laws, regulations, legislation, and ethical practices.
Knowledge of the purposes, principles, practices, and terminology employed in purchasing and procurement.
Knowledge of advanced professional techniques employed in the field of purchasing and procurement.
Knowledge of large-scale government billing, budget development, personnel policies, and purchasing procedures.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Professional Public Officer (CPPO) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or equivalent from a nationally recognized professional procurement organization or university.

The County of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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