Senior Procurement Specialist

Title: Senior Procurement Specialist

Location: PHOENIX

Job Description:

Management of the procurement process in the area of assigned commodities/services of highly complex and technical nature. Develop and issue solicitations, evaluate offers, negotiate terms, award and administer contracts in accordance with the Arizona Procurement Code. May be responsible for conducting and administering statewide contracts as delegated by the State Procurement Office (SPO).

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties:

Develop, issue, open, evaluate, and award highly complex/technical solicitations. This may include issuing and awarding State solicitations as authorized by the SPO. Hold discussions, negotiate, and request best and final offers. Conduct pre-solicitation meetings, pre-offer conferences, and evaluation committee meetings.

Effectively and efficiently administer resultant contracts in accordance with contractual provisions. Conduct post award meetings. Responsible for the timely extension or rebid of contracts. Document and analyze supplier performance. Analyze requests and authorize applicable contract amendments/change orders.

Provide timely assistance to customers in developing highly complex solicitations and resolving supplier performance issues. Maintain a courteous and professional demeanor when responding to customers. Recognize issues, identify solutions and implement them within the applicable statutes and rules.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Arizona Procurement Code, Federal Antitrust Laws, and Federal Acquisition Regulations as well as knowledge of the ADOT and State procurement process.
• ADOT organizational structure and various ADOT and State policies and procedures.
• Procurement and accounting software as well as word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.

Skill in:

• Project management, negotiation and research & analysis are required.
• Communication and time management skills.
• Excellent interpretation of laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the lawful procurement of goods and services.
• Excellent public contact/customer service skills as well as verbal and written communication.
• Computers and in various software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and E-procurement systems.
• Google Workspace.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing the procurement process.
• Perform essential functions under limited supervision.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and prioritize activities to best meet department needs.
• Negotiate.
• Problem solve.
• Maintain confidentiality of purchasing and procurement details.

Selective Preference(s):

Prefer procurement certification, such as Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), or other public procurement certification.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, and  the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.