IT Purchasing Specialist / Agency Internal

Salary: $6,521.00 - $8,769.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-TSD-004
Department: Dept. of Enterprise Services
Division: Technology Services Division
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 6/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
IT Purchasing Specialist
IT Vendor Management - Journey
Agency Internal Only

This job posting is exclusively for current Department of Enterprise Services employees only. All other external applications will not be accepted at this time.

Who We Are:
The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) provides centralized business services to state government agencies; to other public entities such as cities, counties and tribes; and to Washington residents. DES' mission is to strengthen the business of government for a sustainable and just future. Learn

About the Division:
The Technology Services Division (TSD) plans, designs, procures, or develops, operates, and maintains a suite of systems that support the functions of DES and the State of Washington. These systems include contract management, public works, finance, leasing, fleet, parking, CMS to name a few. The goal is to streamline state business processes and to provide outstanding customer service, while maintaining effective enterprise systems. DES Employees, Enterprise Application Customers and External Customers use DES systems to fulfill their agency, company or institutional missions and provide service to their customers. We deliver innovative, responsive, cost-effective, and integrated solutions and services to meet the diverse needs of both DES and enterprise customers.

About this Opportunity:
The IT Purchasing Specialist researches technology solutions to identify technology that best fits within the DES IT ecosystem. This role serves as the internal and external contact for acquired software and hardware solutions; oversee contracts, contract management, purchasing, vendor, and asset management for TSD. The position establishes the procedures and standards for IT vendor management, consistent with state and agency procurement and financial policies. The IT Purchasing Specialist will ensure that all contracts with IT suppliers and vendors meet their contractual commitments to DES by providing technical vendor direction on research, consultation, hardware procurement, system maintenance, and lifecycle management through the terms of the contract.
The selected internal incumbent in this position plays a vital role in ensuring transparency in DES's IT contracts and procurement spending, while also maintaining compliance with licensing requirements through strategic negotiation and management of assigned contracts. This role researches and evaluates hardware, software, and cloud technologies, and is responsible for providing recommendations for IT funding priorities that best align with business strategy and fit within the agency architecture, security, and budget constraints. This position assists in providing technical guidance to the DES IT Support Team and works directly with our DES leadership. This position reports to the Vendor Management Manager within the TSD.
For more information on this internal DES opportunity, email Rachel Vaughan and request the full job description.
Duties

Some of the duties associated with this position include:
Vendor Management

• Primary point of contact
• Responsible for working with IT
• Responsible for the workflows and business processes for tracking and managing the work
• Engage all business stakeholders and subject matter experts
• Responsible for developing processes and workflows

Vendor Communication & Relationship Management

• Manage vendor relationships
• Partner with small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses
• Analyze data to oversee vendor performance
• Review and update information technology software license renewals

Facilitate TSD purchases and IT budget

• Evaluates business needs
• Identify shared solutions
• Manage requests
• Compare purchasing options and purchases
• Coordinate large IT procurements
• Produce complex reports in collaboration with finance and IT leadership

Act as a customer liaison and advocate to foster positive relationships between multiple IT teams, agency programs and customers as well as ensuring customers and IT staff are prepared for implementation of IT services and support

• Collaborate with TSD and DES programs
• Maintain thorough knowledge of the business
• Proactively solves conflicts and addresses issues
• Ensure delivery and services and product implementations align with agency

Qualifications

Required Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge
Ways of meeting the requirements for this position:
(OPTION 1)
Six (6) years of experience in information technology, such as business analysis, managing and procuring information technology assets and experience with developing and managing IT budgets. Experience with IT purchase reporting, reporting and managing IT SLAs. Work also includes working with IT, business units, and contract managers in identifying and evaluating technology services providers that are consistent with the organization's business strategy and architecture.

(OPTION 2)
Associate's degree or completion of an accredited vocational training program in an information technology or related program
AND
Four (4) years' experience in information technology, such as business analysis, managing and procuring information technology assets and experience with developing and managing IT budgets. Experience with IT purchase reporting and managing IT SLAs. Work also includes working with IT, business units, and contract managers in identifying and evaluating technology services providers that are consistent with the organization's business strategy and architecture.

(OPTION 3)
Bachelor's degree in information management, computer science, business administration or related field
AND
Two (2) years' experience in information technology, such as business analysis, managing and procuring information technology assets and experience with developing and managing IT budgets. Experience with IT purchase reporting and managing IT SLAs. Work also includes working with IT, business units, and contract managers in identifying and evaluating technology services providers that are consistent with the organization's business strategy and architecture.

AND
In addition to meeting with one of the above options, the internal candidate must possess knowledge of the following:

• Knowledge of software, hardware and peripheral installation and configuration and technical specifications experience to research IT solutions, manage IT vendors, and collaborate on the renewal of maintenance agreements
• Understand the complexities of how software, hardware and infrastructure interact. This role works directly with IT technicians and all levels of business staff to analyze business problems and develop IT solution options
• Understand, interpret, and communicate a wide range of financial and operational data
• Familiar with the technical research of IT solutions
• Familiar with the licensing processes of a Microsoft EA Agreement
• Familiar with working within a regulated environment when purchases and procurements are made

Desired/Preferred Qualifications/Competencies

• Minimum of 4 years of Advanced skills and experience in modern business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power Query, Power Pivot, and Power BI to extract, transform, and analyze data
  • Use DES internal standard business intelligence tools to clean and create data sets and produce data visualizations
• Minimum of 2 years' Experience with the State project oversight and procurement policies and standards
  • Familiarity with State RCWs, policies, processes and guidelines to be able to work within Washington State purchasing and procurement laws
• Experience with information technology implementations
  • Understand how to manage the challenges and risks that come with implementing procured IT solutions
• Ability to clearly communicate both verbally and written, technical problems, solutions and utilize plane talk to deliver information to non-technical staff and management
• Ability to use active listening skills to truly understand the customer's problem or request, using curious questions to ensure a complete understanding of the issue
• Strategize and Planning: Ability to direct effective strategies for achieving and maintaining excellent customer service, including well-developed negotiation and communication skills
• Management Principals: Ability to apply quality management principles including using data to support decisions
• Judgement and Problem Solving: Ability to analyze and be adaptable to new and demanding situations and receptive to new ideas
• Openness: Actively listen, use open-ended questions to gain an understanding to promote communication, common understanding, transparency and trust
• Integrity and Ethics: Act with honesty, fairness, accountability and the highest ethical standards
• Collaboration: Supports teammates by sharing knowledge and experiences to promote team unity and information sharing
• Respect: Treat everyone professionally and value each other's efforts and ideas
• Excellence: Exemplify teamwork, commitment and responsiveness in the pursuit of quality
• Innovation: Encourage creativity and informed risk-taking
• Build and Maintain Relationships: Establishes and maintains good working relationships with multiple IT teams, colleagues, partners, vendors and customers by possessing sophisticated communication skills including clear "plain talk" writing
• Project Champion: Understanding there is a need for change, think outside the box and explore creative options

AND
Incumbents to this position must possess and demonstrate the following competencies:

• Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DES DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment
• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment
• Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community
• Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization

Supplemental Information
How to Apply: Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest that details why you are the successful candidate, and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

Please Note: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not be substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for detail or your application may be disqualified.

Background Check Notice: Not applicable for current internal employees.

Opportunity for All:
The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan via email at Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.

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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Do you currently work for the Department of Enterprise Services?

• Yes
• No

02

Please select how you meet the qualifications for this position.

• (OPTION 1)Six (6) years of experience in Information Technology, such as business analysis, managing and procuring Information Technology assets and experience with developing and managing IT budgets. Experience with IT purchase Reporting, Reporting and managing IT SLAs. Work also includes working with IT, business units, and contract managers in identifying and evaluating technology services providers that are consistent with the organization's business strategy and architecture.
• (OPTION 2)Associate's degree or completion of an accredited vocational training program in an information technology or related programANDFour (4) years' experience in information technology, such as business analysis, managing and procuring Information Technology assets and experience with developing and managing IT budgets. Experience with IT purchase Reporting and managing IT SLAs. Work also includes working with IT, business units, and contract managers in identifying and evaluating technology services providers that are consistent with the organization's business strategy and architecture.
• (OPTION 3)Bachelor's degree in information management, computer science, business administration or related fieldAND Two (2) years' experience in information technology, such as business analysis, managing and procuring Information Technology assets and experience with developing and managing IT budgets. Experience with IT purchase Reporting and managing IT SLAs. Work also includes working with IT, business units, and contract managers in identifying and evaluating technology services providers that are consistent with the organization's business strategy and architecture.

03

Select all knowledge you currently possess:

• Knowledge of software, hardware and peripheral installation and configuration and technical specifications experience to research IT solutions, manage IT vendors, and collaborate on the renewal of maintenance agreements
• Understand the complexities of how software, hardware and infrastructure interact. This role works directly with IT technicians and all levels of business staff to analyze business problems and develop IT solution options
• Understand, interpret, and communicate a wide range of financial and operational data
• Familiar with the technical research of IT solutions
• Familiar with the licensing processes of a Microsoft EA Agreement
• Familiar with working within a regulated environment when purchases and procurements are made, they can quickly learn the State RCWs, policies, processes and guidelines as they collaborate with a Contract Specialist from the Contracts and Procurements Team on contracts and procurements

04

Select all the desired/preferred qualifications you currently possess:

• Minimum of 4 years of Advanced skills and experience in modern business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power Query, Power Pivot, and Power BI to extract, transform, and analyze data
• Minimum of 2 years' Experience with the State project oversight and procurement policies and standards
• Experience with information technology implementations

05

In the space below please describe your experience working with IT service level agreements over the past two years?
06

Please describe your involvement with information technology contracts in the last three years?
07

Describe how you have contributed to IT purchase analysis and report creation during the past three years?
08

This position requires a cover letter, updated resume, and 3 professional references. Have you uploaded all required documents?

• Yes
• No

09

Please tell us where you first learned of this internal opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov
• Internal communication
• DES BRG Job Board
• Coworker/Supervisor
• GovDelivery
• Other

10

If you selected "other," please list below where you first learned of this internal DES job announcement.
Required Question