Transit Purchasing Specialist - Lead

Full Job Description

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*This position is open internally to current King County Metro Transit Facilities Division (TFD) employees only who are in the classification being led of Transit Purchasing Specialist who have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in that classification at Metro Transit or with at least two (2) years of similar experience.

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King County Metro Transit’s Facilities Division has an exciting opportunity for a Transit Facilities Purchasing Specialist Lead.

This position is responsible for assigning and coordinating the work of Purchasing Specialists and performing the full range of responsibilities identified in the Transit Purchasing Specialist classification.

Work involves providing technical assistance and lead direction to a group of assigned Purchasing Specialists.

Work includes coordinating assignments; monitoring and adjusting work flows; maintaining quality standards; ensuring adherence to schedules and operating requirements; and ensuring compliance with operating policies, procedures and standards.

Selected candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in the use of Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), inventory, purchasing processes and enterprise financial systems (Oracle EBS).

Work requires incumbent to learn and transfer new and expanded knowledge and skills as parts, components, materials and equipment are modified and updated.

Work is performed under general supervision of store Chief and/or higher-level supervisors.

This recruitment will immediately fill one (1) Career Service position and may be used to establish an eligibility pool to fill future Career Service, as well as Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) and/or Special Duty Assignment (SDA), vacancies that may occur over the next twelve (12) months.

Interviews are currently anticipated to during the week of March 2, 2026, but dates are subject to change.

WHO MAY APPLY:
This recruitment open internally only to current King County Metro Transit Facilities Division (TFD) employees only who are currently in the classification of Transit Purchasing Specialist, AND have either a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in that classification at Metro Transit or have two (2) years of similar experience.

TO APPLY:

Required Application Materials:

1. An online King County application, updated with accurate contact information, and relevant work history going back 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly.
2. Completed supplemental questions
3. A cover letter/letter of interest, which addresses all of the following**:
   • Why you are interested in and excited for this position, and
   • The top skills, abilities, and knowledge that make you uniquely qualified for this leadership role.

Note: A resume is highly encouraged, but not required. Any additional attachments will not be considered.

Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible?
We highly recommend visiting the King County Workforce Development website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective: King County Workforce Development.

Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at Application FAQ’s- King County.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:

Erica Minshull, Talent Advisor for King County Metro Transit

Erica.Minshull@KingCounty.gov or 206-477-6059

Requirements

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees.

All employees are expected to model and apply our equity and social justice shared values, behaviors, and practices. As the Transit Facilities Purchasing Specialist Lead, you will also:

• Assign, coordinate, and monitor work for Transit Facilities Purchasing Specialists, ensuring quality completion of tasks and adherence to schedules, operating requirements, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to new and current personnel on Supply Chain Management, purchasing requirements, safety procedures, policies, and regulations.
• Receive, inspect, store, and issue a variety of parts, materials, supplies, accessories, and building maintenance items; verify shipments for billing accuracy and ensure stock matches shipping documents, purchase orders, and delivery receipts.
• Maintain accurate inventory records using inventory and automated systems (including Oracle EBS and EAM); perform physical cycle counts and adjust inventory levels based on usage and operational needs.
• Request stock transfers from other parts rooms for downed coaches and order special stock or supplies from external vendors in emergency situations.
• Assist mechanics, trades, and other employees in identifying and locating needed parts, components, materials, and equipment.
• Coordinate with Transit Purchasing Specialists to ensure adequate inventories and participate in solicitation development, review of submittals/proposals, and the contract award process as needed.
• Monitor warehouse operations and equipment, ensuring safe and proper working order and implementing continuous improvement measures.
• Respond to questions and provide advice regarding parts, components, systems, supplies, and equipment requirements.
• Provide feedback to supervisors and higher-level staff on employee performance, teamwork, behavioral issues, attendance, and work deficiencies.
• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with suppliers and internal customers.
• Load and unload shipments using forklifts, overhead cranes, and related warehouse equipment.
• Gather and compile data for surplus parts activity; learn and transfer new knowledge and skills as parts, components, and systems are updated.
• Perform other duties as assigned and act as a back-up when assigned.

Qualifications

To be considered eligible for this role, applicants must possess these MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The most competitive applicants will possess these DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience or skill in leading others, training, and providing technical assistance.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to effectively manage conflicts.
• The ability to teach inventory control procedures, inventory management techniques, and basic purchasing concepts to others.
• Ability to lead or direct staff members in their work.
• Proficiency in workload planning, scheduling, assigning, balancing, and tracking multiple projects.
• Demonstrated understanding of continuous improvement principles.
• Skill in facilitating creative ideas and solutions.
• Coach and support continuous improvement training and activities, including Kata coaching, 5S, standard work, PDCA cycles, Leader Standard Work, and other continuous improvement tools and practices.

Necessary Special Requirements

Additional Information

CLASS CODE / PAY GRADE

4113200 / 153

UNION STATUS
This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 587.

SELECTION PROCESSApplications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications, as well as for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above.

Highly competitive applicants may be asked to interview.

Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as driving history review, internal record reviews or reference checks, pre-employment physical, etc.

The first six (6) months of employment are served in a probationary capacity to provide an opportunity to confirm whether the position is a good match between the successful candidate’s interests and skills and the ability to perform the requirements of the job.WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work may be performed indoors or outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather. Work may require lifting/moving items up to 50 pounds unassisted, and items weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance.

This position also requires frequent walking, reaching, climbing, kneeling, and stooping. Use of appropriate provided personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used when warranted.

WORK LOCATION AND SCHEDULEThe primary work location may include either South Facilities Maintenance Shop (11911 E Marginal Way S; Seattle, WA 98168) or Power Distribution Headquarters (2255 4th Avenue S; Seattle, WA 98134), but is subject to change.

Employees must be able to work any shift (including day, swing, or overnight, weekends, holidays, and call-outs) at any of the Facilities locations throughout the King County Metro Transit service area.

This position is anticipated to be scheduled 40 hours per week. This position is not exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore overtime eligible, with prior supervisory approval. This position is not eligible for telework/remote work.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence.

Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work, and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce.

To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity.

Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles: we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards.

We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.KING COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYERNo person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.TO APPLYIf you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

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