Purchasing Agent

Administers procurement functions of the school system, which includes formal bidding and procurement methods that require entry level experience, knowledge, and administration. The work involves collaboration with school administrators and other office/division heads. The position provides guidance and assistance to the purchasing staff. Performs other duties as required.

• Prepares, designs, evaluates and issues basic bid specifications; conducts pre-bid meetings and bid openings; and confers with school administrators and office heads to prepare contract documents for designated specifications by evaluating purchasing strategies and investigating emerging products and services; and develops sources of supply.

• Ensures functions 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.

• Recommends cooperative contracts for use by the system. Evaluates and documents benefits of various cooperative contracts.

• Identifies sources of supply for materials and equipment; promotes standardization of purchases. Ensures purchases are made within authorized limits and conditions.
• Recommends lowest responsive responsible bidder on Invitation for Bid’s. 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 evaluation process documenting approved texts, supplies, and equipment for instructional and operational activities for the schools.

• Supports 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 and effectively communicates purchasing policies and procedures to all personnel and interprets the policies and procedures as necessary. Serve as liaison between the Purchasing Office and other departments and offices.

• 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.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college with an associate’s degree or possession of an equivalent college credits in business administration or a related field.
• Three years of progressively responsible 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of procurement policies, procedures, state and local regulations,.
• Skill in writing specifications, issuing/analyzing bids, designing and reviewing contracts, mediating disputes in the best interest of the school system.
• 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 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.
• Skill in operating a personal computer, (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, and other software as needed.)

• 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 Personneland 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.

FLSA: Exempt

RETIREMENT: Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System.

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.

GRADE: OPE Grade 03

SALARY: $72,222 - $116,166

Visit the BCPS Office of Payroll website for additional information on pay scales, other compensation and leave accruals at:

Office of Payroll - Baltimore County Public Schools -

OTHER COMPENSATION: Position may be eligible for relocation bonus, extra duty activities pay, or other student activities pay as defined in the applicable Bargaining Unit Agreement.

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 holidays, sick, personal business, and bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA, sick bank, and board approved leaves. All new hires will attend a benefits meeting upon hire.

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

This posting 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.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

The Board of Education of Baltimore County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to educational programs or activates and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the Board’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: EEO Officer, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Baltimore County Public Schools, 6901 Charles Street, Building B, Towson, Maryland 21204 (443-809-8937).

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 supervisors. Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc. will 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.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education:

• Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable only at the application stage. Official transcripts must be provided only after you have accepted a contingent offer.
• Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education may result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with your application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency:

• Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from a MSDE approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agency. This information is located on the MSDE website at

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 e-script/clearinghouse from your university.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnel must attend a Benefits and Retirement Orientation meeting.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.

Contact Information

Shawn Stahl, HR Manager

443-809-7872

[email protected]