Sr. Purchasing Agent

Administers the procurement functions of the school system which includes formal bidding and highly technical 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 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 specificationsby 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.
• Identifies sources of supply for materials and equipment; promotes standardization of purchases. Ensures purchases are made within authorized limits and conditions.

• Coordinates and supervises activities of evaluation committees. Recommends lowest responsive responsible bidder on Invitation for Bids (IFB) most advantageous office of Request for Proposals (RFP). Coordinates the preparation of the exhibit of contract recommendations and statistical data of supplier participation for the monthly meeting of the Board of Education.

• Administers contracts and price agreements for services and supplies by preparing contracts and managing contract terms and spending against authorized contract amounts. Ensures compliance with contract terms and conditions negotiates contract amendments extensions and change orders.
• Analyzes cost and price data from suppliers. Performs contract audits as necessary. 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 supplier performance and prepares appropriate documentation of the conferences and rulings within the appeal process procedures.

• Coordinates the regular evaluation process documenting approved texts supplies and equipment for instructional and operational activities for the schools.

• Represents office leadership 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.

• Maintains the integrity of the public procurement process.

• 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. electronic purchasing web sites software). Attends trade association meetings and seminars and is an active member of related professional associations.

• Communicates and interprets purchasing policies and procedures to all personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Training and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in business administration or a related field. Six years of professional 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.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable 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.) Working skill 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:

• Persons appointed to this classification are designated as Essential-As-Needed Personnel and are required to work when schools and/or offices are closed during adverse weather conditions or any other emergency when contacted and directed to do so.

Citizenship residency or work VISA in United States required

BENEFITS:BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans dental plans vision life insurance flexible spending accounts disability coverage and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include paid vacation paid holidays sick personal business and bereavement days and flexible leave options such as FMLA sick bank and board approved new hires will attend a benefits meeting upon hire.

Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees at 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.

RETIREMENT: Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees Retirement System

GRADE:

Grade 07 - 12 Month OPE Pay Scale

SALARY:$91115 to $146555 (Annual Salary Scale for Exempt 12-Month Employees Represented by BCPSOPE 2026-2027 Effective July 1 2026) Visit the BCPS Office of Payroll website for additional information on pay scales other compensation and leave accruals at COMPENSATION: This position may be eligible for comp time. Visit the BCPS website to review the OPE Master Agreement for additional information at Status: Exempt

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). Information on your resume and application must match. This information is necessary for salary determination should you receive an offer of employment.
• 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 references from colleagues friends community members not be accepted.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment. Failure to complete all fields of the Work Experience section of the application may result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be the only document considered in determining your qualifications for a position.
• You MUST attach your unofficial transcript(s) or license(s) to your application if you are applying for a position as a teacher or position which requires Licensure/Certification.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• All people employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools regular and temporary are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (per COMAR) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $109.
• 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 will be required upon hire and must be sent via escript/clearinghouse from your university.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnelmustattend aBenefits and Retirement Orientationmeeting.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.

Contact Information
Office of Staffing & Licensure
Phone:
Email:

This document describes the duties and responsibilities of a position or group of positions. It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.