| Location | Houston, TX |
Lead Buyer Job Description
Job Title: Lead Buyer FSLA: Nonexempt
Reports to: Purchasing Supervisor Pay Grade: Clerical/Para 9
Dept./School: Business and Finance Department/ Calendar Days: 226 Purchasing Department Donaldson Administration Building Revised: 8.7.2026 The Lead Buyer oversees, assists, and provides guidance to departmental team members in the procurement of materials, equipment, and services in accordance with established district procedures and state purchasing laws governing competitive bidding, informal quotations, and negotiations.
Education/Certification: High School Diploma or GED Associates Degree or completion of college coursework preferred TASBO certification preferred
Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of purchasing, invoicing, and public procurement procedures, including formal bidding requirements Knowledge of state purchasing laws, competit ive bidding, and public procurement methods Skill in proofreading, collecting, tabulating, analyzing, and evaluating data Ability to prepare clear bid specifications, evaluate products, analyze vendor proposals, and recommend awards Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations and work with numerical data Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Google Docs) and financial management systems (Frontline and IonWave preferred) Ability to effectively communicate and maintain positive working relationships with vendors and district staff Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate multiple projects, and meet established deadlines Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of clerical experience, preferably in public sector or school district purchasing Purchasing
Prepare bid specifications for items to be purchased, prepare bidding documents, including notice and instruction to bidders, specifications, and form of proposal
Provide requestor training and support in the procurement module; and issue purchase orders in the procurement module
Evaluate and test supplies and equipment offered by suppliers and analyze bid quotations to make recommendations regarding awarding of contracts Primary Purpose Major Responsibilities and Duties Qualifications Lead Buyer Job Description
Work with supplier representatives to ensure full understanding of bid requirements and to maintain awareness of product changes, price changes, or other information that could materially affect purchasing of items
Monitor competitive contract calendars; work with vendors regarding bid contracts and purchase orders and the availability of supplies, equipment and services
Work cooperatively with district personnel to determine specific requirements and assist in locating approved vendors for necessary goods and services
Advanced knowledge of purchasing and e-procurement terms Clerical
Prepare, maintain and issue bids in e-sourcing model; assist vendors with e-sourcing module; maintain vendor setups and vendor maintenance in procurement module.
Manage the complete bid process, including organizing, scheduling, and coordinating the preparation of bid documents (RFPs, RFQs, and CSPs), bid openings, bid evaluations, bid tabulations, and Board agenda items
Prepare correspondence, forms, manuals, reports, purchase orders, and payment authorizations using personal computer
Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required
Resolve purchase-to-pay issues
Maintain knowledge and adhere to State, Federal and Local purchasing guidelines
Train and mentor school/department bookkeepers and departmental team members
Document, maintain, and update purchasing procedures for campus bookkeepers, requestors, and Purchasing Department staff
Monitor, control and ensure compliance of purchasing policies Other
Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures
Complete TASBO courses to earn and maintain a TASBO certification
Perform any duties as assigned by administration None An evaluation shall be completed in writing at least once during the course of each school year.
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds) Supervisory Responsibilities Evaluation Work Environment Lead Buyer Job Description
Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.