PURCHASING AGENT na Atlanta Public Schools

POSITION SUMMARY

The Purchasing Agent performs advanced professional work in managing complex and/or sensitive procurement activities within the centralized purchasing requirements of Atlanta Public Schools (APS). This position is responsible for procuring supplies, equipment, and services in compliance with all applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations set forth by the Atlanta Board of Education, the Georgia Department of Education, and other federal, state, and local agencies. The Purchasing Agent provides technical and administrative direction to a team of professional and support staff engaged in procurement activities, reporting to the Procurement Manager.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• EDUCATION
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Technology, or related field from an accredited college or university required.
  • Additional years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.
  CERTIFICATION:
  • Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or equivalent certification preferred.
  WORK EXPERIENCE:
  • 3 years of progressively responsible experience in a large-scale public procurement department required.
  • Supervisory experience preferred.
  • Experience in K–12 education or public sector preferred

• Knowledge of GA Code § 50-5-70, School Board policy, contract law, procurement principles, regulatory frameworks, public purchasing procedures, and best practices.
• Ability to prepare specifications, solicitations, and contract documents in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Strong negotiation, customer service, and vendor management skills to foster effective partnerships.
• Proficiency in market research, cost analysis, and the use of procurement and financial systems.
• Proficiency in the use of procurement and financial systems, databases, and office technologies to enhance efficiency and support data-driven decision-making.
• Skilled in written and verbal communication, report preparation, and presenting complex information clearly.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to provide leadership, training, and technical guidance to staff while ensuring compliance and accountability.
• Commitment to ethical standards, transparency, and continuous professional growth in procurement practices.

• Manage the comprehensive bidding process, including developing specifications and SOW; preparing Invitations to Bid (ITB), Requests for Proposals (RFP), and Requests for Qualifications (RFQ); organizing pre-bid conferences; facilitating evaluation meetings; leading Best and Final Offers (BAFO); and awarding contracts.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to assigned staff, including task assignments, progress monitoring, and professional development support.
• Collaborate with schools and departments to assess needs, conduct market research, and align bid specifications with organizational goals.
• Procure materials, supplies, equipment, and services in compliance with Board policies and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Provide procurement training for school bookkeepers and district staff to ensure consistent application of procedures.
• Represent APS at vendor events, seminars, open houses, and reverse trade fairs.
• Serve as liaison between vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure contract adherence and effective communication.
• Draft and administer contracts, monitor vendor performance, and conduct quality and compliance reviews.
• Analyze market trends and data to inform strategic purchasing decisions.
• Review staff assignments and provide technical guidance to ensure compliance with laws, policies, and procedures.
• Contribute to the development and revision of procurement policies and procedures.
• Prepare accurate monthly and annual reports reflecting departmental activities.
• Act as a subject matter expert on procurement best practices and compliance requirements.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in person and be available to work on-site during regular business hours and as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or their representative.

Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.

Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions

Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.

Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.

Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 15 or more pounds on a frequent basis.

Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.

Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress

Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities:  Will require travel to multiple sites.

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. 

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position.  It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.  Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. 

COMPENSATION:
Salary Grade: 129
Salary Range: APS Compensation Scale
Work Year: ANNUAL (252 days)