Senior Procurement Specialist

The Arizona Department of Gaming is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Senior Procurement Specialist. This position will lead complex procurement operations, strategy, and administration for the agency. This position will also be responsible for managing the end-to-end sourcing process in compliance with the Arizona Procurement Code, executing data-driven strategy and continuous improvement initiatives, administering grant programs, and providing cross-functional business support across agency operations.

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

● Integrates technical data, statements of work, delivery schedules, milestone payments, terms and conditions, and other contractual elements into cohesive requirements. Executes end-to-end procurement processes, including development of contractual terms and conditions, conducting RFQ/RFPs, and actively negotiates contractual agreements with suppliers.
● Collaborates in market complexity analyses and develops strategies to manage risk to the State. Develops relationships with internal customers and suppliers to ensure contracts achieve State objectives.
● Develops and maintains reports, providing recommendations regarding industry and market trends. Uses data analytics to assist internal stakeholders in the development of business strategies designed to optimize expenditures and ROI. Works with subject matter experts to gather and assess business requirements; makes recommendations to internal stakeholders based on analysis conducted.
● Collaborates to develop, maintain, and improve agency policies and procedures for issuing grants. Researches best practices and requirements for a successful grant program and coaches relevant agency staff on grant management compliance. Assists in writing grant requirements, reviewing submissions, and awarding grants.
● Assists the team as backup/support to general business services tasks related to fleet, facilities, and travel coordination.

Knowledge of:

• Arizona State statutes and rules related to government procurement activities, contract administration, and grants.
• Best practices in determining and conducting appropriate sourcing strategies/methods.
• Continuous improvement tools and methods.
• Effective negotiation techniques.
• Supply Chain, logistics, and resource management.
• Research methods.
• Effective techniques of relationship management.
• Solicitation techniques.
• Using eProcurement, word processing, spreadsheet, email software.
• Source of supply, local and national markets, and pricing trends
• Grant compliance, issuance, and management principles.

Skills in:

• Effectively negotiating complex contractual agreements, terms, and conditions with suppliers.
• Process optimization using continuous improvement techniques.
• Preparing written determinations, justifications, and formal procurement documentation.
• Developing and implementing various sourcing strategies based upon business' strategic goals.
• Interpreting and applying intricate laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Conducting market complexity analyses and utilizing data analytics to optimize expenditures and ROI.
• Leading various project teams.
• Develop and implement various monitoring strategies to ensure accountability.
• Synthesize, summarize, and analyze a variety of data sources and formulate workable recommendations.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies.
• Work in a dynamic team environment and be responsive to changing goals and priorities.
• Work remotely and with minimal supervision.
• Manage and guide multiple projects simultaneously from ideation through closeout.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to agency staff regarding policy compliance and processes.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, agency leadership, and external suppliers.
• Solving complex problems requiring a broad "big picture" perspective.
• Interpreting business issues and recommending solutions/best practices.

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, Finance or equivalent years plus direct experience.
• NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CPPO, or similar certification.

● None

The Arizona Department of Gaming 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)
○ Affordable medical and dental insurance
○ Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
○ Life 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.

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

To help you build a financially secure future, positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Human Resources at humanresources@azgaming.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format, by contacting Linn Carrasco at (623) 955-9061 or emailing lcarrasco@azgaming.gov Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation