Procurement Specialist - Central Office

Summary: The State of Nebraska is committed to supporting safety and quality of life through its Department of Correctional Services. The Procurement Specialist will ensure compliant and competitive procurement for goods and services, requiring strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills. Responsibilities: - Review purchase requests for goods, equipment, and services to ensure compliance with requirements, and appropriate procurement methods based on compliance with state/agency policies, cost, urgency, and competition - Identify and solicit vendors; obtain and evaluate written quotes, bids, and proposals using open market, informal, and formal procurement processes - Review vendor quotations to determine conformance to specifications - Analyze pricing, discounts, delivery schedules, transportation costs, and vendor performance; negotiate with suppliers and recommend the most advantageous offers - Prepare detailed Requests for Quotation (RFQs), issue amendments when needed, and develop final contracts with supporting documentation and award recommendations - Prepare and place purchase orders and problem resolution for billing or service deficiencies - Meet with vendors to address production, pricing, or performance concerns - Proactive management of assigned contracts for timely rebids or renewals prior to contractual deadlines - Regular and reliable attendance is expected Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in business administration, procurement, supply/inventory operations or related field AND procurement related experience. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis - Must have a valid driver's license - Applicants accepting a job offer must pass the following pre-employment exams in this order: medical exam, and at a randomly announced time, pass a drug test - Once at the Staff Training Academy, must successfully complete the fully paid NE Corrections Training Program Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with Microsoft Office software to include proficiency in Word, Outlook, and Excel - Use of Enterprise One or similar enterprise-wide ERP/database software - Experience in obtaining quotes or preparing agreements for various goods and services - Experience or knowledge of state purchasing regulations - Accounting experience Required Skills: Procurement, Vendor management, Contract management, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, State purchasing regulations, Accounting Benefits: Comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities