Category Manager Harris County Office of Purchasing Agent

Houston, MS - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Position Description

About Harris County Purchasing Department:

Accountability Ethics Impartiality Professionalism Service Transparency

The Purchasing Department is created for the purpose of providing a checks and balances system for expenditure of public funds. The Purchasing Department strives to maintain consistent and open communication with the vendor community and the various supported County departments and agencies.

Every effort is made to operate in an efficient and economical manner consistent with existing laws and sound business practices.

What you will do atHarris County Purchasing Department:

Under minimal supervision the Manager Category plays a vital role in overseeing and managing product categories within the Harris County Purchasing Office. The Manager is responsible for strategic planning data analysis purchase order (PO) monitoring category management and ensuring compliance with government procurement policies. This includes tracking categorical expenditures maintaining accurate NIGP (National Institute of Governmental Purchasing) and account codes for secure financial reporting and ensuring alignment with local state and federal procurement guidelines.

Individuals in this role must possess a deep understanding of public sector purchasing trends competitive procurement processes and contract management to ensure that the category management aligns with Harris Countys operational and fiscal expectations.

Essential Functions and Duties:

Category Strategy Management: Establishes and maintains comprehensive category management strategies leveraging data services research tools and government procurement tracking systems to monitor and evaluate categorical performance and expenditures. Ensures accurate NIGP coding and category spend tracking to facilitate transparent decision-making and compliance with local state and federal procurement standards. Works with Contract Managers and Sourcing Managers to develop data-driven recommendations and policies that enhance sourcing efficiency and contract management. Develops detailed actionable and impactful strategies that align with Harris Countys regulatory requirements and strategic procurement objectives.
Market Analysis and Reporting: Conducts market research and governmental cost analysis to track product and service trends vendor performance and supply chain risks. Generates category market intelligence reports with a focus on regulatory compliance public accountability and cost-efficiency.
Financial Oversight: Monitors purchase orders and contract spending to ensure accurate reporting and compliance. Validates NIGP and general ledger account codes for transparent and secure financial reporting. Tracks usage reports and general ledger expenses to maintain financial control and optimize contract utilization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Vendor Management: Partners with key stakeholders external suppliers departments and Purchasing colleagues to support category strategies vendor selection contract lifecycle management and PO processing. Conducts meetings with vendors and departments to coordinate communication address issues and oversee strategic implementation. Maintains control over category management initiatives and objectives by ensuring effective vendor oversight and contract alignment. Offers subject matter expertise guidance and hands-on support regarding procurement project execution and other related areas and addresses escalated issues related to assigned area(s); provides mentorship and supervision to team members as well as informed supervisory duties when needed.
Strategic Planning: Develops and executes strategic plans for long-term and short-term category management goals encompassing spend analysis market and/or geographic considerations strategic importance and cost reductions that align with Harris Countys expectations while also developing and implementing metrics and techniques to track and evaluate category performance and adjust plans to achieve the targeted goals and objectives. Identifies explores and formulates contingency plans including primary and alternative supply sources for products and services.
Price Management: Manages category and industry pricing complexity through detailed and frequent analysis and facilitates sound business decision-making by developing evaluating and presenting business cases and cost and benefit analysis to management all aimed at achievingoptimal results.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations please call or email.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and even when considered may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education & Experience:

PhD or Masters degree in a directly related field (such as Accounting Analytics Business Economics Finance Public Administration or Supply Chain) from an accredited college or university
Three (3) years of relevant experience in a mid-large size organization in strategic sourcing purchasing contract negotiation and management and vendor management

OR:

Bachelors degree in a directly related field (such as Accounting Analytics Business Economics Finance Public Administration or Supply Chain) from an accredited college or university
Four (4) years of relevant experience in a mid-large size organization in strategic sourcing purchasing contract negotiation and management and vendor management

OR:

Associates degree in a directly related field (such as Accounting Analytics Business Economics Finance Public Administration or Supply Chain) from an accredited college or university
Six (6) years of relevant experience in a mid-large size organization in strategic sourcing purchasing contract negotiation and management and vendor management

WITH:

Experience with government procurement platforms financial tracking systems and spend analysis tools for contract oversight.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Ability to develop category strategies through market research selection criteria cost structures pricing and performance methodologies.
Strong understanding of local state and federal procurement regulations compliance requirements and government purchasing laws.
Expertise in public sector financial reporting budget tracking and NIGP/account code management to ensure regulatory compliance.
Knowledge of county government initiatives and economic policies that impact procurement and contract management.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while managing vendor relationships and procurement challenges.
Strong problem-solving conflict resolution and negotiation skills to address procurement and contract-related issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for internal and external collaboration.
Proven ability to lead category management strategic sourcing and supplier relationships to drive procurement efficiency.

NOTE: Qualifying education experience knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resume will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Experience:

Verifiable procurement experience. (preferred)

General Information

Position Type Hours and Salary:

Regular Full-Time
Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Compensation: Annual Salary Range: DOE
Occasional weekends holidays and overtime may be required based on the specific needs and demands of the department.

Location:

Harris County Building Office of the Purchasing Agent
1111 Fannin St 12th Floor Houston TX 77002

Reporting Relationships:

Reports To Position: Category Management Leadership
Supervises Positions: None

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
- This position is based in an office environment where the use of standard office equipment such as computers phones scanners and filing cabinets is routine.
- The physical demands associated with this job are minimal with occasional lifting and moving of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
- The role is predominantly sedentary involving mainly sitting with occasional standing and walking.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Required Experience:

Manager

Position DescriptionAbout Harris County Purchasing Department:Accountability Ethics Impartiality Professionalism Service Transparency*The Purchasing Department is created for the purpose of providing a checks and balances system for expenditure of public funds. The Purchasing Department strives to m...

Position Description

About Harris County Purchasing Department:

Accountability Ethics Impartiality Professionalism Service Transparency

Every effort is made to operate in an efficient and economical manner consistent with existing laws and sound business practices.

What you will do atHarris County Purchasing Department:

Essential Functions and Duties:

Category Strategy Management: Establishes and maintains comprehensive category management strategies leveraging data services research tools and government procurement tracking systems to monitor and evaluate categorical performance and expenditures. Ensures accurate NIGP coding and category spend tracking to facilitate transparent decision-making and compliance with local state and federal procurement standards. Works with Contract Managers and Sourcing Managers to develop data-driven recommendations and policies that enhance sourcing efficiency and contract management. Develops detailed actionable and impactful strategies that align with Harris Countys regulatory requirements and strategic procurement objectives.
Market Analysis and Reporting: Conducts market research and governmental cost analysis to track product and service trends vendor performance and supply chain risks. Generates category market intelligence reports with a focus on regulatory compliance public accountability and cost-efficiency.
Financial Oversight: Monitors purchase orders and contract spending to ensure accurate reporting and compliance. Validates NIGP and general ledger account codes for transparent and secure financial reporting. Tracks usage reports and general ledger expenses to maintain financial control and optimize contract utilization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Vendor Management: Partners with key stakeholders external suppliers departments and Purchasing colleagues to support category strategies vendor selection contract lifecycle management and PO processing. Conducts meetings with vendors and departments to coordinate communication address issues and oversee strategic implementation. Maintains control over category management initiatives and objectives by ensuring effective vendor oversight and contract alignment. Offers subject matter expertise guidance and hands-on support regarding procurement project execution and other related areas and addresses escalated issues related to assigned area(s); provides mentorship and supervision to team members as well as informed supervisory duties when needed.
Strategic Planning: Develops and executes strategic plans for long-term and short-term category management goals encompassing spend analysis market and/or geographic considerations strategic importance and cost reductions that align with Harris Countys expectations while also developing and implementing metrics and techniques to track and evaluate category performance and adjust plans to achieve the targeted goals and objectives. Identifies explores and formulates contingency plans including primary and alternative supply sources for products and services.
Price Management: Manages category and industry pricing complexity through detailed and frequent analysis and facilitates sound business decision-making by developing evaluating and presenting business cases and cost and benefit analysis to management all aimed at achievingoptimal results.

Requirements

Education & Experience:

PhD or Masters degree in a directly related field (such as Accounting Analytics Business Economics Finance Public Administration or Supply Chain) from an accredited college or university
Three (3) years of relevant experience in a mid-large size organization in strategic sourcing purchasing contract negotiation and management and vendor management

OR:

Bachelors degree in a directly related field (such as Accounting Analytics Business Economics Finance Public Administration or Supply Chain) from an accredited college or university
Four (4) years of relevant experience in a mid-large size organization in strategic sourcing purchasing contract negotiation and management and vendor management

OR:

Associates degree in a directly related field (such as Accounting Analytics Business Economics Finance Public Administration or Supply Chain) from an accredited college or university
Six (6) years of relevant experience in a mid-large size organization in strategic sourcing purchasing contract negotiation and management and vendor management

WITH:

Experience with government procurement platforms financial tracking systems and spend analysis tools for contract oversight.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Ability to develop category strategies through market research selection criteria cost structures pricing and performance methodologies.
Strong understanding of local state and federal procurement regulations compliance requirements and government purchasing laws.
Expertise in public sector financial reporting budget tracking and NIGP/account code management to ensure regulatory compliance.
Knowledge of county government initiatives and economic policies that impact procurement and contract management.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while managing vendor relationships and procurement challenges.
Strong problem-solving conflict resolution and negotiation skills to address procurement and contract-related issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for internal and external collaboration.
Proven ability to lead category management strategic sourcing and supplier relationships to drive procurement efficiency.

Preferences

Experience:

Verifiable procurement experience. (preferred)

General Information

Position Type Hours and Salary:

Regular Full-Time
Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Compensation: Annual Salary Range: DOE
Occasional weekends holidays and overtime may be required based on the specific needs and demands of the department.

Location:

Harris County Building Office of the Purchasing Agent
1111 Fannin St 12th Floor Houston TX 77002

Reporting Relationships:

Reports To Position: Category Management Leadership
Supervises Positions: None

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
- This position is based in an office environment where the use of standard office equipment such as computers phones scanners and filing cabinets is routine.
- The physical demands associated with this job are minimal with occasional lifting and moving of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
- The role is predominantly sedentary involving mainly sitting with occasional standing and walking.

Required Experience:

Manager