PURCHASING SPECIALIST

This position is a grade 118 on the salary schedule. Placement range: $25.55 to $29.20.

As a condition of employment, all new hires must obtain and maintain a valid Level One IVP

Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The Purchasing Specialist plays an important role in our mission by ensuring efficacy and compliance in facilitating procurement and all related procedures. In addition, this position provides clerical, technical, and strategic support to others, including the Director of Budget & Finance, in the areas of purchasing and procurement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Procurement Lifecycle Management

Performance Objective and Success Standards: Execute a strategic end-to-end purchasing process that ensures the district acquires high-quality goods and services at the best value.

• Achieve 100% compliance with district bidding and advertising regulations for all formal solicitations.
• Realize measurable cost savings or value-adds through effective negotiation and competitive vendor selection.

Vendor Strategy & Relationship Management

Performance Objective and Success Standards: Build and maintain a robust network of reliable suppliers through proactive sourcing and rigorous performance evaluation.

• Maintain an up-to-date database of alternate sources to ensure zero disruptions in the supply chain for critical items.
• Conduct semi-annual vendor performance reviews, ensuring all active suppliers meet or exceed established service level agreements (SLAs).

Systems & Technical Proficiency

Performance Objective and Success Standards: Master and leverage district-mandated technologies and training to maximize operational efficiency and data accuracy.

• Complete all required technical training sessions within 30 days of assignment or software implementation.
• Maintain a 98% accuracy rate in digital procurement records and automated workflow management.

Operational Support & Adaptability

Performance Objective and Success Standards: Provide flexible administrative support and complete auxiliary tasks to ensure the seamless functioning of the procurement department.

• Successfully complete "other duties" by the requested deadline with minimal oversight required.
• Consistently receive positive feedback from internal stakeholders regarding responsiveness and the ability to pivot to emerging priorities.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or GED
• 2+ years of experience in Microsoft applications environment

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree
• 2+ years of school district experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Compliance procedures for State Law and District policies and regulations.
• Systems that efficiently and effectively support purchasing and procurement processes.

Skilled in:

• Assisting others with compliance and effective use of procedures for purchasing and procurement.
• Promoting strong working relationships, and communicating with others in a helpful, and effective manner.
• Working with mathematical concepts that facilitate purchasing and procurement processes.

Ability to:

• Perform a high volume of numerical detail work with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators, staff and the general public.

Core Competencies:

Accountability

Analytical Thinking

Concern for Order

Planning Ahead

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. The employee must use hands, arms and fingers to input data, handle, feel or reach; employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs. such as boxes, supplies, etc. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud and can vary in temperature. The nature of this position is fast-paced and may occasionally be thought of as stressful. Through interaction with the public and other district employees, the employee may encounter different scents.

WE ARE PHOENIX #1!

At Phoenix Elementary School District #1, we are Inspiring Every Child to Achieve, educating the future leaders of Phoenix! We’re looking for passionate people who want to shape the future to join in our mission of offering all students an excellent and equitable education. The education of our children is a shared responsibility among our community, and we encourage you to apply for the opportunity to be part of that.

Every member of our Phoenix #1 family—from our top leadership team to our bus drivers, our nutrition team to our nurses, and our teachers to our technology gurus is shaping the lives of our students every day. We also drive forward the goals of ensuring equity and excellence for all students. It’s not just our work; it is our passion!

We are a Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade school district in Phoenix, Arizona, established in 1871 as the first free public school district in Arizona. The district boundaries cover an area from 16th Street to 23rd Avenue, and Buckeye Road to Thomas Road.

WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT US:

• Our 12 schools are in the heart of Phoenix.
• We are educating the future leaders of Phoenix.
• We are accessible by Phoenix Light Rail.
• We support and encourage a healthy work/life balance.
• We have University partners that offer discounted tuition.

NOTICES

The statements in this job description describe the essential function and requirements as assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Job descriptions are subject to change. Employees must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and extensive fingerprint and background check. Discrimination against an otherwise qualified individual with a disability or any individual by reason of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity gender expression, age, or national origin is prohibited. Efforts will be made in recruitment and employment to ensure equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons. Phoenix #1 is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Lauren Pagnotta, HR Coordinator, at (602) 257-6072 at least 3 days in advance.