Buyer

Are you looking for a purpose-driven career? At Metrocare, we serve our neighbors with developmental or mental health challenges by helping them find lives that are meaningful and satisfying.

Metrocare is the largest provider of mental health services in North Texas, serving over 55,000 adults and children annually. For over 50 years, Metrocare has provided a broad array of services to people with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities. In addition to behavioral health care, Metrocare provides primary care centers for adults and children, services for veterans and their families, accessible pharmacies, housing, and supportive social services. Alongside clinical care, researchers and teachers from Metrocare's Altshuler Center for Education & Research are advancing mental health beyond Dallas County while providing critical workforce to the state.

Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION

General Description
The mission of Metrocare Services is to serve our neighbors with developmental or mental health challenges by helping them find lives that are meaningful and satisfying. We are an agency committed to quality gender-responsive, trauma-informed care to individuals experiencing serious mental illness, development disabilities, and co-occurring disorders. Metrocare programs focus on the issues that matter most in the lives of the children, families, and adults we serve.

The Buyer supports this mission by overseeing the organization's ordering and receiving process. The Buyer is responsible for ensuring timely, cost-effective procurement methods are followed to expedite the ordering and receiving of goods and services throughout the organization. This role plays a critical part in ensuring Metrocare's compliance with federal, state, and local procurement regulations while fostering fair and competitive purchasing practices. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement, Request for Proposals, vendor negotiations, and compliance oversight.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The essential functions listed here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the job.

• Manage purchase requests to ensure compliance with regulations by overseeing, guiding, organizing, and reviewing procurement activities while promoting efficiency, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
• Intake, review, and triage supply requisitions from departments; verify approvals and funding sources per policy.
• Create purchase orders (POs) in the ERP system; obtain confirmations and track order status through delivery.
• Source items through approved contracts and preferred vendors; analyze product cost, features and delivery time to determine the best value products available.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop specifications and manage the procurement solicitation process, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and informal solicitations.
• Perform three‑way match (requisition/PO/invoice) and work with AP to resolve invoice discrepancies and credit memos.
• Maintain online retail ordering platforms and train internal staff on the online platforms as needed.
• Collaborate with internal departments and vendors to resolve procurement-related issues and mitigate risks.
• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships, ensuring diverse supplier engagement, competitive pricing, and adherence to government contracting requirements.
• Conduct vendor performance reviews, ensuring vendor compliance and adherence to contractual obligations.
• Serves as a designated backup to the Contract Administrator, providing support in contract review, execution, and approvals.
• Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on government procurement processes, best practices, and compliance requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance efficiency and cost savings.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal stakeholders; communicate delays and alternatives proactively.
• Stay up to date with changes in procurement laws, industry standards, and best practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies
The competencies listed here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with ethical standards, contracts, professional standards, and applicable laws.
• Analytical skills, professional acumen, business ethics, continuous improvement mindset, problem solving, respect for confidentiality, and strong communication skills.
• Strong understanding of public procurement and contract laws, competitive bidding requirements, risk management, and procurement regulations.
• Effective verbal and written communication; strong customer service orientation.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Able to work autonomously with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Basic negotiation, inventory control, and vendor‑coordination skills.

Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's degree in Business Administration, or a related field, is required with a minimum of 2 years of experience in procurement, preferably in a government or public-sector setting.
• In lieu of an associate's degree, 5 years of procurement experience, preferably in government or a public-sector setting, may be accepted.
• Preferred Experience:
• Experience with an ERP/procurement system (e.g., NetSuite/Workday); experience with an electronic bidding platform (e.g., OpenGov); experience with an online ordering platform (e.g., Amazon Business).
• Preferred Certifications:
• NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP)
• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)
• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM)

DRIVING REQUIRED:
Yes

Mathematical Skills
Basic math skills required.

Ability to work with reports and numbers.

Ability to calculate moderately complex figures and accurately report activities and budgets (e.g., extended pricing, discounts, reorder points).

Requires mathematical skills to analyze data, forecast trends, and make informed purchasing recommendations.

Ability to generate reports as needed to support procurement activities, budget tracking, and data-driven decision-making.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to work with reports and numbers & Ability to calculate moderately complex figures and amounts to accurately report activities and budgets.

Computer Skills

• Use computer, printer, and software programs necessary to the position (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Use computer, printer, and software programs necessary to the position (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Use Internet/SharePoint/Teams for resources and collaboration.
• Experience with an ERP/procurement system (e.g., NetSuite/Workday)
• Experience with an electronic bidding platform (e.g., OpenGov)
• Experience with an online ordering platform (e.g., Amazon Business)
• Operate handheld scanners and label printers.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to talk and hear, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone.

Due to the multi-site responsibilities of this position the incumbent must be able to carry equipment and supplies.

• Sitting- Frequent
• Walking- Frequent
• Standing- Occasional
• Lifting (Up to 15 pounds)- Frequent
• Lifting (Up to 25 pounds)- Never
• Lifting (Up to 50 pounds)- Never

Travel

• In county travel may be required- N/A
• Overnight travel required- N/A

NOTICE ON POSITIONS THAT REQUIRE TRAVEL TO/FROM VARIOUS WORKSITES

Positions that are "community-based," in whole or part, require the incumbent to travel between various worksites within his/her workday/workweek. The incumbent is required to have reliable transportation that can facilitate this requirement. The incumbent is further required to meet the criteria for insurability by the Center's risk management facilitator; and produce proof of minimal auto liability coverage when applicable. Failure to meet these terms may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, contract or other status with Metrocare.

Current State of Texas Driver License or if you live in another state, must be currently licensed in that state. If licensed in another state, must obtain Texas Driver License within three (3) months of employment.

Liability insurance is required if employee will operate personal vehicle on Center property or for Center business. Must be insurable by Center's liability carrier if employee operates a Center vehicle or drives personal car on Center business. Must have an acceptable driving record.

NOTICE ON POSITIONS THAT REQUIRE TRAVEL TO/FROM VARIOUS WORKSITES

The work environment describe here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees in this role are expected to maintain composure under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and follow established protocols to ensure a safe and secure work environment. Ongoing training in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and workplace safety is provided. Additionally, employees have access to resources such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Counseling, and Supportive Management.

Office-Based Environment – Primarily works in an office setting with standard hours and minimal physical demands.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is a record of major aspects of the job but is not an all-inclusive job contract. Dallas Metrocare Services maintains its status as an "at-will" employer and nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to guarantee employment for any length of time. Additional tasks may be assigned as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor. The position's status conforms to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1939 as amended, and the employee has agreed to the standards methods of compensation in compliance with Center's procedures and Federal Law.

Benefits Information And Perks
Metrocare couldn't have a great employee-first culture without great benefits. That's why we offer a competitive salary, exceptional training, and an outstanding benefits package:

• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Plan, including employer matching
• Health Savings