Purchasing Manager

Company Description The Harris Central Appraisal District is responsible for appraising taxable property for Harris County, its cities, school districts, and more than 300 special districts that levy property taxes within its boundaries. Each year, the district appraises over 1.7 million property parcels and administers exemptions and special appraisals, including those for qualified agricultural land. The organization also determines the taxable situs of property, ensuring accurate and fair assessments. The chief appraiser serves as the chief executive officer and reports to a board of directors that governs the district. An appraisal review board and a taxpayer liaison officer support property owners by addressing protests, concerns, and issues outside the review board’s jurisdiction.

Role Description The purpose of this position is to ensure the completion and delivery of services in support of the HCAD operational plans and in accordance with the organization's values. This requires the hiring, training, supervision, guidance and support of staff within the respective business unit. The Manager will frequently act as a Subject Matter Expert when it comes to their knowledge of business unit operations. They are responsible for planning, organizing and directing the activities performed within the assigned business unit and disseminating information throughout the organization as it relates to the delivery of key objectives.

The incumbent will promote and champion process improvement and automation, and may achieve results through the management of professional or supervisory-level staff. Depending on the specific functional area, they are responsible for ensuring that property owners, the general public, agents, attorneys and employees are properly supported in performing transactions within the HCAD organization. The position oversees key processes, ensures that the team functions effectively, and maintains final responsibility for its overall results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with major courses in Accounting, Business Administration or Public finance
• 7 years of increasingly responsible experience in a purchasing environment
• 3 years' supervisory experience

General Responsibilities

    •      Public Procurement & Contract Management

    •      Texas Local Government Code Compliance

    •      Strategic Planning & Operational Leadership

    •      Mailroom Operations & Facilities Coordination

    •      Vendor Relations & Cooperative Purchasing

    •      Budget Oversight & Inventory Control

    •      RFP/RFQ Development and Administration

    •      Records Management (Texas RIM Requirements)

    •      Staff Training, Development & Performance Leadership

    •      Process Improvement & Automation

    •      Perform other duties as assigned 

Position-Specific Responsibilities

    •      Ensure compliance with Texas Local Government Code Chapters 262, 2269, and 791.

    •      Develop and manage RFPs, vendor relations, and procurement credit card program.

    •      Oversee mailroom operations, USPS accounts, and interdepartmental mail processes.

    •      Manage small‑scale contractor projects and coordinate training room setups.

    •      Train, supervise, and evaluate staff; provide ongoing coaching and development.

    •      Oversee the disposal of surplus property through public auction.

    •      Prepare operational and productivity reports.

    •      Maintain RIM compliance and coordinate annual planning calendars.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP) — Member
• Southeast Texas Association of Public Purchasing — Member

KNOWLEDGE:

• Purchasing and market research tactics
• Budget & Finance process and procedures
• Public procurement policies and practices
• HCAD policy and procedures
• Requisition and bid process requirements

SKILLS:

• Management and Leadership
• Intermediate computer skills: Workday Procurement; Electronic Bidding Systems; Microsoft Office Suite; Contract Management Tools; Records Management Systems; Market Research Tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Active listening
• Customer Service
• Research
• Collaboration
• Detail orientation

WORKING CONDITIONS

Positions in this class typically require repetitive motions, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time in an office setting. 

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Positions in this class typically require repetitive motions, walking, talking and hearing. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time with ability to reach, bend and move up/down on steps. Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment with ability to effectively communicate by phone, e-mail, writing and face to face required. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. The position requires considerable concentration, creativity and ability to manage time effectively. The position is subject to stress caused by a changing public environment, mandatory deadlines and heavy workload. Requires the ability to ask questions that will bring forth the information needed to make sound decisions.