BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB TITLE : Purchasing Agent II

REPORTS TO : Fiscal Supervisor III

DEFINITION : Administers the procurement functions of the school system, which includes formal bidding and complex procurement methods that require a high degree of experience, knowledge, professionalism, and administration. The work involves collaboration with school administrators and other office/division heads. The position provides guidance and assistance to the purchasing staff. Performs other duties as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES :

• Prepares, designs, evaluates and issues bid specifications; conducts pre-bid meetings and bid openings; and confers with school administrators and office heads to prepare contract documents for designated specifications by evaluating purchasing strategies and investigating emerging products and services; and develops sources of supply. Efforts are conducted in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and Board of Education policies. Conducts appropriate specification research to support construction products, commodities or services for product specifications, performance standards, contract requirements, and funding sources.
• Develops programs and procedures for the control of funds through purchases with an emphasis on economies of scale, standardization, simplification and adequate control systems. Researches new materials and equipment, and evaluates their potential usefulness in the school system.
• Finds sources of supply for materials and equipment and supervises the maintenance of vendor lists; promotes standardization of purchases. Makes purchases with authorized limits and conditions.
• In cooperation with the budget division, schedules the timing of major purchases. Administers contracts and price agreements for services and supplies by preparing contracts and managing contract terms and spending against authorized contract amounts. Advises and consults with responsible departments when contract terms near expiration and/or spending authorization nears maximum authorized.
• Serves as the initial level of mediation in disputes regarding the selection of award bidders and issues of vendor performance, and prepares appropriate documentation of the conferences and rulings within the appeal process procedures.
• Coordinates the regular development of the internal curriculum and supplies catalog process documenting approved texts, supplies, and equipment for instructional and operational activities for the schools.
• Represents the Supervisor at meetings as designated.
• Oversees the daily review, approval, posting and execution of purchase order documents for the timely procurement of equipment, supplies, textbooks and services.
• Coordinates the preparation of the exhibit of contract recommendations and statistical data of vendor participation for the bi-monthly meeting of the Board of Education.
• Chairs and/or attends staff, client, school administration meetings, as well as committees involving other school districts or group procurement efforts. Assists office heads and school administrators with procurement issues.
• Researches and implements improvements to the procurement process, (e.g., procurement cards, electronic purchasing, web sites, software). Attends trade association meetings and seminars and is an active member of related professional associations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education, Training and Experience :

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field, plus six years of experience in purchasing or a directly related field.

Note: Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Licenses and Certificates :

• Possession of professional certification from a recognized purchasing organization is preferred. In lieu of professional certification graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in business administration or a related field will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Thorough knowledge of procurement policies, procedures, state and local regulations, writing specifications, issuing/analyzing bids, designing and reviewing contracts, mediating disputes in the best interest of the school system.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities to define market trends, to evaluate large-scale or unique procurement events for diversified commodities and services, to understand the range of brands, grades, qualities and supply sources.
• Skill and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals at many levels within and outside the school system, and to serve as a trainer for procurement related issues.
• Skill and ability to supervise assigned staff.
• Skill and ability to organize, plan, and execute work with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge, skills and abilities to evaluate purchasing reports and to utilize data in decision-making and procedure development.
• Ability to operate a personal computer, (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, and other software as needed.)
• Familiarity with eProcurement systems and automated purchasing systems.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :
The work of this class entails travel to schools, offices, and facilities throughout the Baltimore area in conducting various investigations.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :
Employees in this class are subject to call to duty in emergencies and may be required to work evenings, weekends, and beyond their normally scheduled hours as needed.

FLSA : Exempt

SALARY : Grade 07 on the BCPS 12 Month OPE scale $74,484 - $115,151 annually (effective January 1, 2019)

Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System

This class specification defines the types of duties and level of difficulty of work required of positions in this title. It shall not be held to exclude duties not mentioned nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

Application Instructions
Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Each time an applicant applies to a job with BCPS, the application must be resubmitted. If an applicant started an application with BCPS in the past and at a later date decides to apply for additional positions, it is the applicant's responsibility to review the entire application and ensure that all data is up to date (for example, the applicant may need to add additional schooling or certifications, an additional work experience, or provide updated references). The applicant must remember to review the entire application each time for accuracy and submit each time for a new or different vacancy.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers and university/college supervisors. Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc. will not be accepted. Applicants should notify their reference proactively to inform them they will receive a form via email through a MAILBOT email address from Baltimore County Public Schools. Applicants should also inform their reference(s) of the job they are applying to.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment, including student teaching and internship experience, and include names, addresses, and telephone numbers of employers.
• Be sure to answer all criminal background questions. If you answer "yes" to any of the criminal background questions you must provide a written explanation. A criminal offense does not necessarily exclude an applicant from employment with BCPS. Factors such as passage of time since the offense, the nature of the violation, and the extent of rehabilitation will be taken into consideration.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• All persons employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools, regular and temporary, are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (State of Maryland, Senate Bill 315, effective October 1, 1986) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $81.00 . An identification card will be issued which must be shown prior to employment.
• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US.
• If you have military experience you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214.
• Official transcripts for all higher education must be received prior to contract signing.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnel must attend a Badges and Benefits session.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Board of Education of Baltimore County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to educational programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the Board's nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: EEO Officer, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Baltimore County Public Schools, 6901 Charles Street, Building B, Towson, Maryland 21204 (443-809-8937). There is a compliance officer responsible for identifying, preventing, and remedying prohibited harassment concerning students. Complaints of harassment should be directed to the executive director, Department of School Safety and Security, 9610 Pulaski Park Drive, Suite 219, Baltimore, Maryland 21220 (443-809-4360).

Contact Information

Michael Hodge
Supervisor, HR Staffing
6901 Charles Street, E Building
Towson, Maryland 21204
Phone: 443-809-7872
Fax: 410-887-7876
Email: mhodge@bcps.org