Procurement Specialist

Job Title: Procurement Specialist The mission of Louisiana Economic Development is to cultivate jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana. The role leads complex purchasing activities for LED, ensuring all procurements follow state laws, policies, and procedures while advising staff on purchasing decisions and interpreting regulations for both employees and vendors. It manages deliveries, inventory, fleet policy compliance, vehicle records, supply tracking, and LaCarte Card purchases, including monthly reconciliations. The position develops specifications, evaluates bids, selects vendors, maintains contract files, and resolves procurement issues. It also conducts price and product surveys to ensure cost-effective purchasing, executes purchase orders, creates tax-exempt accounts, and completes required annual procurement and LaCarte training, along with participating in professional development. An ideal candidate should possess the following competencies: Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions. Following Policies and Procedures: The ability to follow, reinforce, adapt, or develop policies and procedures to maintain compliance with federal and state legal requirements, State Civil Service rules, and organizational policies. Using Data: The ability to collect, analyze, and use data to generate insights and inform decisions. Acting Decisively: The ability to make timely, confident decisions using sound reason. Developing Plans: The ability to create structured strategies and plans that support the achievement of defined goals and objectives. Managing Projects: The ability to plan, implement, and close out project initiatives by coordinating people, resources, and timelines to achieve defined outcomes. Minimum Qualifications: Six years of experience in procurement, contracts or grants management, financial management, accounting, or auditing; OR Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus three years of experience in procurement, contracts or grants management, financial management, accounting, or auditing; OR A bachelor's degree plus three years of experience in procurement, contracts or grants management, financial management, accounting, or auditing; OR An advanced degree plus two years of experience in procurement, contracts or grants management, financial management, accounting, or auditing. EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field. Designation as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), a Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or a National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) will substitute for a maximum of one year of the required experience. Job Specification: The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here. Job Duties and Other Information: Lead and execute large, complex procurements while ensuring full compliance with all laws, policies, and regulations; provide clear guidance to staff and vendors. Analyze procurement data to identify issues and recommend solutions; handle high-priority purchasing needs during emergencies and make complex, high-value LaCarte Card purchases for all LED divisions. Manage deliveries, track supplies, maintain accurate inventory records, and advise staff on purchasing choices and timing. Support fleet operations by assisting with vehicle maintenance coordination, monthly log reconciliation, driver training, fuel card setup, tax-exempt purchasing, and requisition processing. Maintain contract files, develop specifications, and purchase goods and services using state contracts while promoting competition and timely delivery. Evaluate bids, select responsible vendors, and advise staff on appropriate supplies, services, and equipment while resolving procurement issues. Conduct market surveys to ensure quality goods and services at the lowest price; ensure all purchases follow LED's Procurement Code and LaCarte policies. Execute purchase orders and reconcile monthly transactions. Create tax-exempt accounts for agency purchases and complete required annual procurement and LaCarte training. Participate in conferences and seminars to stay current with procurement best practices. Position-Specific Details: Appointment Type: Probational Louisiana Economic Development is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. How To Apply: No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Contact Information: If you have any questions, please contact: Dawn Thibodeaux Human Resources Director

Created: 2026-03-06