Assistant Purchasing Agent

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General Description

The Assistant Purchasing Agent serves as the second-in-command of the County Purchasing Department and provides strategic and operational leadership in support of the Purchasing Agent. This position oversees daily procurement activities and ensures compliance with all Federal, State, and County laws, regulations, and policies governing the acquisition of goods and services. The Assistant Purchasing Agent assists in managing departmental personnel, procedures, systems, and resources to ensure efficient, transparent, and ethical procurement operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Directs, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff; provides guidance, resolves employee concerns, and conducts performance reviews.
• Coordinates and prioritizes departmental workloads; monitors progress, ensures accuracy, and maintains high standards of professionalism and compliance.
• Serves as acting department head in the absence of the Purchasing Agent.
• Assists with planning, developing, and administering formal and informal procurements in accordance with applicable laws, statutes, and County policies.
• Reviews and approves purchase specifications, solicitations, and bid documentation to ensure accuracy, justification, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversees issuance of Purchase Orders and vendor performance to ensure quality and contract compliance.
• Assists in the development and management of the department’s annual budget.
• Supports the Purchasing Agent in strategic initiatives, process improvement, and long-range procurement planning.
• Analyzes departmental procedures to identify efficiencies, strengthen internal controls, and enhance service delivery.
• Coordinates with Legal Services Manager to respond to Open Records Requests (ORR) under the Texas Public Information Act (PIA).
• Conducts staff training on purchasing procedures, procurement ethics, and compliance requirements.
• Investigates and resolves complex procurement issues involving vendors, staff, or end-user departments.
• Fosters positive vendor relationships and ensures fair, transparent competition in all purchasing activities.
• Performs other related responsibilities as required to support the effective operation of the Purchasing Department.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

The work is typically performed sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.

Emergency Preparedness Tier Level: 2

Department: Purchasing

Salary: $125,000.00

The County of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.