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Specification Writer, Purchasing Division

Job

City of Indianapolis and Marion County

Indianapolis, IN (In Person)

Full-Time

Posted 3 weeks ago (Updated 2 weeks ago) • Actively hiring

Expires 7/20/2026

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Job Description

•Internal Posting •The purpose and mission of the Purchasing Division of the Office of Finance and Management is responsible for the procurement of goods and services. We oversee the city-county bidding opportunities and vendor registration. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County. This position is responsible for preparing and reviewing specifications for various goods and services to be purchased in compliance with legal and administrative requirements. Incumbent is this position will direct workflows and review all specifications created by the division. This position utilizes established policies and procedures which controls their actions. Incumbent will utilize limited judgment in the absence of established policies and procedures. Position reports to the Manager Contracts. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve. Performs as lead in directing the workflow and assignment of specification distribution and reviews and approves specifications created by the division Conducts technical research on commodities, services, and sources Meets with agencies and divisions to define and analyze needs Survey manufacturers and vendors for requisitioned items to determine feasibility and competitiveness Surveys other government agencies for current best-practices for writing specification documents for equipment or services Writes technical specification for commodities and services Advises on alternative methods of goods or services or the use of alternative pricing-models when warranted Interprets specifications and statements of work in the case ambiguity and makes recommended changes Maintains appropriate records, files, and documentation for specification library Assists agencies, divisions, and buyers in evaluating RFP's and complex bids Adheres to the compliance of specifications with local, state, and federal requirements while utilizing fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures for purchasing Provides the field work to obtain current data for the purpose of determining if current specifications and bid proposals on commodities are satisfactory or whether updating or rewriting is needed Must maintain confidentiality at all times This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, or related field with two (2) years of related work experience. A combination of education and work experience may be utilized in lieu of degree. A minimum of four (4) years' experience in technical writing or in a procurement related field. Must be able to exhibit effective communication, problem solving, data analysis, prioritization, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to collaborate well with a diverse customer base. Ability to read and interpret procurement policies, city ordinances, and formal contracts. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other purchasing software systems. Must be able to prioritize projects and meet deadlines. Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications Master's Degree in Business Administration, or related field with one (1) year of related work experience. Two (2) years' experience in technical writing or in a procurement related field. Possession of a valid Public Purchasing Official (RPPO) Certificate or a valid Registered Public Purchasing Specialist (RPPS) is a plus. Must be able to exhibit effective communication, problem solving, data analysis, prioritization, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to collaborate well with a diverse customer base. Ability to read and interpret procurement policies, city ordinances, and formal contracts. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other purchasing software systems. Must be able to prioritize projects and meet deadlines. If your qualifications meet the requirements of the posted position, your application will be referred to the hiring agency. Once the agency receives your application, all further communication during the interview and selection process will be handled directly
BY THE AGENCY
. It is
IMPERATIVE
that you record the contact information of the individual who is scheduling your interview. City-County HR will not have access to this information, is not involved in the interview or selection process, and can only confirm whether an application has been referred. After selection of the successful candidate, an official offer of employment will be made by HR. Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.