Commodity Specialist

Full Job Description

Do you have the skills and experience to join our team of expert problem solvers in delivering exceptional value for all people in Pennsylvania?

Become a Commodity Specialist with the Department of General Services, Bureau of Procurement.

In this role, you will perform a variety of professional administrative work in the procurement of a wide variety of commodities for the Commonwealth.

Apply now and help our government get what it needs to operate more efficiently, effectively, and safely!

Requirements

As a Commodity Specialist, you will be responsible for administering procurement activities and working closely with commodity teams.

This includes developing and implementing procurement strategies, as well as the development, management, and administration of contracts and the supply base for assigned goods and services.

Work involves collecting and analyzing commodity data, solicitation results, and other information; identifying cost savings opportunities; providing assistance with sole source and no-substitute procurements; and establishing and adhering to timelines.

You will also develop and maintain procurement contracts and related documents, assist in resolving contract disputes, and participate in negotiations as needed.

Your work will be essential for maintaining contract coverage, fostering a team approach to contract administration, and ensuring agency needs are met.

Take the next step in your professional procurement career with us!

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.

Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to four days per week, after initial training period as determined between employee and superior.

In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.

If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

Additional details may be provided during the interview.

• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

Additional Requirements:

• You must have experience with contract administration activities, including contract monitoring, amendments, renewals, and/or vendor performance management.
• You must have experience analyzing or interpreting pricing, cost proposals, or market data to support procurement decisions and identify cost savings opportunities.
• You must have experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including program areas, suppliers, and leadership, to support procurement timelines and deliverables.
• You must have experience preparing formal business or procurement-related documentation, such as bid documents, evaluation summaries, or written justifications.
• You must have demonstrated ability to learn new processes, adapt to changing requirements, and effectively navigate unfamiliar situations.
• You must have demonstrated ability to take initiative, communicate effectively, and appropriately assert needs or concerns to move work forward.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.