Purchasing Clerk - Corporate Card (Immediate Opening)

    Purchasing Clerk

Mission: The Purchasing Clerk at IDEA Public Schools, you will provide clerical and operational support to the procurement team, enabling efficient acquisition of goods and services in support of campuses and departments. You will ensure requisitions, purchase orders, vendor communications, and record-keeping are handled accurately and in compliance with IDEA’s policies and state/federal education procurement regulations. We strive to keep integrity and continuous improvement in the procurement process that is complying, and best practices as outlined by the Texas Education Agency. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None 

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:    

Occasional travel to IDEA training events or step-backs may be required. 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Enter or process requisitions into the procurement/purchasing system (e.g., ERP or financial management software).
• Receive and review requisitions from campuses/departments, ensuring all required information (budget code, approvals, vendor, specification) is included and accurate.
• Maintain accurate filing and documentation of purchasing records: requisitions, purchase orders, vendor quotes, etc.
• Support internal stakeholders (campus staff, departments) by answering purchasing process questions, redirecting issues when needed, and helping ensure compliance with IDEA purchasing policy.
• Support internal stakeholders (campus staff, departments) by answering purchasing process questions, redirecting issues when needed, and helping ensure compliance with IDEA purchasing policy.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable, Finance, and Business Operations teams to ensure proper coding of invoices, timely payment, and that no goods/services are processed without an approved purchase order. 
  
  
• Perform other purchasing-related clerical tasks as assigned (responding to procurement system Zendesk desk tickets, scanning/presenting tracking reports).

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs specialized clerical support duties within the procurement department.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Meet schedules, deadlines, and timelines.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and handle occasional high-volume periods.
• Customer-service mindset: responsive, helpful, and oriented toward supporting campuses in achieving their goals.

Additional Skills

• Basic understanding of purchasing practices, requisitions, purchase orders, vendor communication.
• Familiarity with financial management systems or ERP software; ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when entering requisitions, verifying codes, etc.
• Good organizational and filing skills; ability to maintain and retrieve electronic/paper records.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work with internal stakeholders (campus staff, vendors) professionally.
• Basic math skills (ability to add, subtract, compare costs/quotes).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); familiarity with ERP systems.
• Ability to travel – 10% of travel time
• Adapt to periods of high workload (beginning and end of each fiscal year).

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member makes informed decisions by gathering reliable information, asking clarifying questions, and evaluating multiple options. They thoughtfully align their choices with team objectives, current responsibilities, and the broader mission of the organization.
• Manage Work and Teams: This team member sets clear, measurable goals and regularly reflects on progress, adjusting actions as needed. They prioritize work aligned with their goals using a task management system and consistently meet deadlines through effective time management.
• Grow Self and Others: This team member demonstrates self-awareness by actively seeking and thoughtfully responding to feedback with curiosity and a growth mindset. They identify development areas, implement feedback when appropriate, and pursue opportunities to build their knowledge and skills.
• Build a Culture of Trust: This team member consistently demonstrates self-awareness and emotional intelligence, fostering psychological safety and trust within the team. They build respectful, reliable relationships and engage in direct, compassionate feedback, supporting a culture of honesty and mutual respect.
• Communicate Deliberately: This team member communicates clearly and professionally, delivering concise messages tailored to their audience. They actively listen, engage in dialogue by asking and clarifying questions, and follow up to ensure shared understanding in both individual and group settings.

Additional Skills:

• Basic understanding of purchasing practices, requisitions, purchase orders, vendor communication.
• Familiarity with financial management systems or ERP software; ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when entering requisitions, verifying codes, etc.
• Good organizational and filing skills; ability to maintain and retrieve electronic/paper records.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work with internal stakeholders (campus staff, vendors) professionally.
• Basic math skills (ability to add, subtract, compare costs/quotes).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); familiarity with ERP systems.
• Adapt to periods of high workload (beginning and end of each fiscal year).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to solve problems and prioritize different tasks.
• Excellent customer service and resolve inquiries through all forms of communication.

Required Education and Experience:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Licenses or Certifications (if applicable)
• 1–3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or related administrative roles.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to solve problems and prioritize different tasks.
• Excellent customer service and resolve inquiries through all forms of communication.
  
  

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Education: Associates degree in Business or supply chain preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment; frequent periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate desktop computer, keyboard, mouse; ability to review printed and electronic documents.
• Occasional lifting/moving of light items (e.g., boxes of vendor quotes, file binders) up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to work extended hours or during peak procurement cycles as needed.
• Some travel may be required (e.g., to vendor meetings, campus visits) depending on region and procurement need

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $18.49/hour and $23.11/hour, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values