Category Manager - Harris County Office of Purchasing Agent

Harris County Purchasing Manager

The Purchasing Department is created for the purpose of providing a "checks and balances" system for expenditure of public funds. The Purchasing Department strives to maintain consistent and open communication with the vendor community and the various supported County departments and agencies. Every effort is made to operate in an efficient and economical manner consistent with existing laws and sound business practices.

Under minimal supervision, the Manager, Category plays a vital role in overseeing and managing product categories within the Harris County Purchasing Office. The Manager is responsible for strategic planning, data analysis, purchase order (PO) monitoring, category management, and ensuring compliance with government procurement policies. This includes tracking categorical expenditures, maintaining accurate NIGP (National Institute of Governmental Purchasing) and account codes for secure financial reporting, and ensuring alignment with local, state, and federal procurement guidelines.

Individuals in this role must possess a deep understanding of public sector purchasing trends, competitive procurement processes, and contract management to ensure that the category management aligns with Harris County's operational and fiscal expectations.

Essential Functions and Duties include :

• Category Strategy Management : Establishes and maintains comprehensive category management strategies, leveraging data services, research tools, and government procurement tracking systems to monitor and evaluate categorical performance and expenditures. Ensures accurate NIGP coding and category spend tracking to facilitate transparent decision-making and compliance with local, state, and federal procurement standards. Works with Contract Managers and Sourcing Managers to develop data-driven recommendations and policies that enhance sourcing efficiency and contract management. Develops detailed, actionable, and impactful strategies that align with Harris County's regulatory requirements and strategic procurement objectives.
• Market Analysis and Reporting : Conducts market research and governmental cost analysis to track product and service trends, vendor performance, and supply chain risks. Generates category market intelligence reports with a focus on regulatory compliance, public accountability, and cost-efficiency.
• Financial Oversight : Monitors purchase orders and contract spending to ensure accurate reporting and compliance. Validates NIGP and general ledger account codes for transparent and secure financial reporting. Tracks usage reports and general ledger expenses to maintain financial control and optimize contract utilization.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Vendor Management : Partners with key stakeholders, external suppliers, departments, and Purchasing colleagues to support category strategies, vendor selection, contract lifecycle management, and PO processing. Conducts meetings with vendors and departments to coordinate communication, address issues, and oversee strategic implementation. Maintains control over category management initiatives and objectives by ensuring effective vendor oversight and contract alignment. Offers subject matter expertise, guidance, and hands-on support regarding procurement, project execution, and other related areas and addresses escalated issues related to assigned area(s); provides mentorship and supervision to team members as well as informed supervisory duties when needed.
• Strategic Planning : Develops and executes strategic plans for long-term and short-term category management goals, encompassing spend analysis, market and / or geographic considerations, strategic importance, and cost reductions that align with Harris County's expectations, while also developing and implementing metrics and techniques to track and evaluate category performance and adjust plans to achieve the targeted goals and objectives. Identifies, explores, and formulates contingency plans, including primary and alternative supply sources for products and services.
• Price Management : Manages category and industry pricing complexity through detailed and frequent analysis, and facilitates sound business decision-making by developing, evaluating, and presenting business cases and cost and benefit analysis to management, all aimed at achieving optimal results.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education & Experience :

WITH : Experience with government procurement platforms, financial tracking systems, and spend analysis tools for contract oversight.

Knowledge Skills, and Abilities :

NOTE : Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Position Type, Hours and Salary :

Location :

Reporting Relationships :

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure :

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.