Procurement Specialist Senior

Are you a strategic procurement professional who enjoys building partnerships, leading complex projects, and making a meaningful impact in public service? Join our team and play a key role in ensuring Department of Child Safety (DCS) offices across Arizona have the resources they need to serve children and families effectively.

In this position, you will exercises considerable independence and discretionary judgment within policies and procedures established for the work system, perform as a lead specialist, decide the appropriate contracting method, and evaluates the risks associated with contracts. In addition, you will write specialized requirements, develop scopes of work, negotiate contracts and leasing language, perform cost or price analysis, and approve or reject changes. You will also support continuous improvement efforts by developing standard work, delivering training, coordinating high-impact procurement projects, and fostering effective communication between Field and Central Office Leadership.

• Develops and prepares scope of work, contractual terms and conditions. Conducts formal solicitations, negotiations and evaluations for contracts for human/non-human, general, and when assigned, information technology (IT) products and services. Prepares award documents for signature. Conducts post award activities and meetings. This position will serve as a focal point in implementation of new service contracts.
  
• Administers and manages assigned contracts and agreements. Generate and upload contract documents into the State's eProcurement system Arizona Procurement Portal (APP). Provides guidance and assistance to program work units in the interpretation of a contract, vendor performance requirements and the development of scopes of work.
  
• Assists as the contract liaison to train and conduct outreach on contract issues. Serve as key contact to internal/external customers, stakeholders and business partners by providing procurement and contract technical assistance, to include training, mentoring and other forms of support.
• Conducts public meetings with vendors and stakeholders.
  
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:

• State laws, rules and regulations as they pertain to program operations, activities, contractual agreements and procurement practices
  
• Public contracts
  
• State procurement code
  
• Business practices in both public and private industry
  
• Policies and procedures established for the work unit including administrative procedures and protocol

Skills in:

• Applying and interpreting federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as they pertain to program operations/activities
  
• Applying program policy and contract requirements to contracted provider activities
  
• Utilizing computerized products, such as Excel and Access, for analysis and work management and using computer software systems to increase efficiency and accuracy
  
• Verbal and written communication which includes compromise and tact in programmatic and fiscal evaluation
  
• Establishing and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships as applied to interaction with contract and governmental agency representatives
  
• Conducting training and technical assistance
  
• Assessing programmatic requirements to actual service delivery

Ability to:

• Apply and research state and federal accounting, audit, contract and procurement authoritative literature
  
• Professionally and respectfully communicate findings, contractual requirements, non-compliance to providers, and internal and external stakeholders
  
• Develop excellent interpersonal relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  
• Be organized, efficient, and have the ability to analyze current policies, terms and services to accomplish goals
  
• Read and interpret statutes, rules, policies and procedures

Undergraduate degree in data science, public or business administration, social work or other related field or three years experience in a state social services agency (including training and administrative experience) in the field of audit or fidelity monitoring, computer science, procurement, contract management, or statistical analysis.

Must be able to secure and maintain clearance from DCS Central Registry. 

A valid Arizona driver’s license is required. and the use of a vehicle is an essential function of the job to conduct State business. The following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

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

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
  
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
  
• 10 paid holidays per year
  
• Vacation time accrued at 4:00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
  
• Sick time accrued at 3:42 hours bi-weekly
  
• Deferred compensation plan
  
• Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.