IT PURCHASER IV
Texas Health and Human Services · Austin, TX
- On site
- Contract
- $58,000 / year
- Austin, TX
Job highlights
- Procure IT goods and services effectively.
- Develop complex IT solicitations and contracts.
- Negotiate contract specifications with providers.
- Manage vendor performance and relationships.
- Ensure compliance with purchasing laws.
About the role
IT PURCHASER IV
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.
Brief Job Description
Procurement and Contracting Services is looking for an IT Purchaser IV. This role involves obtaining IT goods and services using the most applicable and cost-effective purchasing methods, adhering to laws, rules, policies, and established guidelines. The IT Purchaser IV performs complex IT purchasing work, including planning, organizing, coordinating, and preparing specifications for IT purchasing commodities and services, preparing procurement documents, and maintaining records of items purchased, received, prepared, and issued. This position works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment, following HHSC and PCS policies and procedures, and laws governing state purchasing.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
- (50%) Develops IT solicitations, bid evaluation instruments and other related documents; identifies provider resources, evaluates information supplied by bidders, and negotiates contract specifications; processes requisitions in an automated environment; reviews requisitions for completeness and compliance with applicable requirements prior to processing invitations for bid (IFB), requests for quotes (RFQ), and other solicitations such as Deliverables-Based Information Technology Services (DBITS); processes assigned requisitions; researches vendors for products and services; prepares, reviews, releases, and tracks purchase orders (POs) based on requestors’ needs; monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to purchasing; maintains all required documentation supporting transactions; may assist in coordinating requisition assignments to purchasing teams; monitors and documents vendor performance as required. Uses automated procurement systems.
- (20%) Works with management, requestors, subject matter experts, stakeholders, agency staff, and other purchasing staff to identify, manage, and resolve IT purchasing related issues; responds to phone and e-mail inquiries from requestors and other staff regarding the status of requisitions, POs, and the delivery of goods or services; supports Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) outreach and participates in procurement related events; provides assistance to requesters in drafting competitive specifications for commodities and services.
- (10%) Prepares competitive IT solicitations, including IFB, RFQ, DBITS, and other types of solicitations; recommends and makes contract awards, and suggests additional content for contracts when appropriate.
- (10%) Performs other duties as assigned, such as participating or providing support for the agency’s disaster response and recovery obligations or Business Continuity Plan activation.
- (10%) Provides customer service excellence in alignment with the PCS Customer Service Principles. Actively demonstrates the eight core pillars of customer service: be responsive; set clear and realistic expectations; be transparent; be courteous; be consistent; be resourceful; embrace complaints; and be intentional about continuous improvement.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)
- Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing state purchasing.
- Knowledge of purchasing and procurement methods and procedures.
- Knowledge of state of Texas procurement principles and practices, assigned commodities and products on the open market, and supply sources.
- Skill in the use of computer and applicable software.
- Skill in problem solving, including asking appropriate questions and identifying resources to obtain necessary information.
- Skill in attention to detail.
- Skill in providing good customer service.
- Ability to logically assemble and evaluate information.
- Ability to maintain a system of required record keeping.
- Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to schedule, prioritize, monitor, and complete multiple assignments timely.
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to act in a sound, logical, proactive, and appropriate manner based on well-thought-out analysis of situations or problems.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications
Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) - (formerly Certified Texas Procurement Manager) certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
Initial Screening Criteria
One-year experience in the purchase and procurement of goods and services. Texas state agency experience is generally preferred.
Additional Information
N/A
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Military Personnel
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form.
Telework Disclaimer
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Key skills/competency
- IT Procurement
- Purchasing
- Contract Negotiation
- Vendor Management
- Solicitation Development
- Public Sector Purchasing
- IT Goods and Services
- Procurement Laws and Regulations
- Automated Procurement Systems
- Customer Service Excellence
Skills & topics
- IT Procurement
- Purchaser IV
- Texas Health and Human Services
- Austin Jobs
- Government Procurement
- Contract Management
- Vendor Relations
- Public Sector Jobs
- Procurement Specialist
- IT Purchasing
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your one-year purchasing experience and any Texas state agency experience. Emphasize skills in IT procurement and contract management.
- Understand HHSC procurement: Familiarize yourself with Texas state purchasing laws, policies, and the specific procurement principles and practices used by HHSC.
- Showcase technical skills: Detail your proficiency with automated procurement systems and relevant computer software. Mention experience in developing solicitations and evaluating bids.
- Demonstrate soft skills: Emphasize your problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, strong communication (written and verbal), and customer service skills.
- Prepare for certification: Note the requirement to obtain CTCD certification within six months of hire and be ready to discuss your learning approach.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the main responsibilities of an IT Purchaser IV at Texas Health and Human Services?
- The IT Purchaser IV at HHSC is responsible for procuring IT goods and services, developing complex solicitations, negotiating contracts, managing vendor performance, and ensuring compliance with state and federal purchasing laws and policies. This role involves significant interaction with stakeholders and the use of automated procurement systems.
- What experience is required to be considered for the IT Purchaser IV position?
- To be considered for the IT Purchaser IV role, candidates generally need one year of experience in the purchase and procurement of goods and services. Experience within a Texas state agency is preferred.
- Is the CTCD certification mandatory for the IT Purchaser IV role at HHSC?
- Yes, the Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification, formerly known as Certified Texas Procurement Manager, is a requirement for the IT Purchaser IV position. Candidates must obtain this certification within six months of their hire date.
- What is the salary range for the IT Purchaser IV position?
- The IT Purchaser IV position at HHSC has a monthly salary range of $4,020.33 to $4,833.33. This translates to an annual salary range of approximately $48,244 to $58,000.
- What are the key skills and knowledge areas needed for this IT Purchaser role?
- Key skills and knowledge include understanding state and federal purchasing laws, procurement methods, Texas procurement principles, vendor research, automated procurement systems, problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication and customer service abilities.
- Does this IT Purchaser IV position offer telework options?
- This position may be eligible for telework, subject to state and agency telework policies, supervisor discretion, and business needs. Further details would typically be discussed during the hiring process.
- What is the application deadline for the IT Purchaser IV position?
- The closing date for applications for the IT Purchaser IV position is May 18, 2026. It is advisable to submit your application well before this date.
- How does HHSC handle ADA accommodations for the IT Purchaser IV application process?
- HHSC provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring and selection process. If you need assistance with the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center. If you require accommodation for an interview, notify the interviewer.