AGENCY PROCUREMENT OFFICER

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

3d•$10,417 - $11,250•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is seeking to hire an Agency Procurement Officer (APO). The APO is responsible for acting as the policy-formulating administrator of the Department's Procurement Office. This role involves planning, directing, implementing, and managing the procurement process for supplies, services, and construction. The APO ensures compliance with state and agency procurement policies, prepares solicitations, evaluates bids, and oversees the entire procurement process, including contract management and dispute resolution. Apply today to join a team committed to making Illinois the best place in the nation to raise a family! Illinois Department of Early Childhood offers a robust benefit package including: Monday-Friday schedule Health, life, vision, and dental insurance Paid Parental leave Pension Plan Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service) Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date) (13-14) paid state holidays annually Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with coursework in business management or a related field.
Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or private organization, preferably with experience in government purchasing, business management, and managing cross-functioning organizational entities and a thorough knowledge of procurement supply markets and trends.
Requires the ability to pass a background check.
Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
Requires the ability to utilize and maintain state issued equipment such as a cell phone, laptop, etc.

Nice To Haves

Prefers four (4) years of experience in government sector procurement and/or purchasing.
Prefers four (4) years of experience in estimating and budgeting for current and future needs and cost of personnel, space, equipment, supplies, and services.
Prefers possession of certification from the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as the Agency Procurement Officer (APO) for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), acting authoritatively as policy formulating administrator of the Department's Procurement Office in planning, directing, implementing, and administering all Department-specific procurement functions which consist of an annual procurable spend portfolio.
Serves as the official IDEC liaison, on behalf of the CFO, to all internal and external entities including the Chief Procurement Office-General Services (CPO-GS), the Office of Management and Budget (GOMB), Procurement Policy Board (PPB), Commission on the Equity and Inclusion (CEI), Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), Illinois State Board of Elections (BOE), vendors, contractors, public, private, state, and federal officials on IDEC-specific procurement issues, independently possessing authority to negotiate and bind IDEC to contractual agreements and operational agreements for specific contractual procurements deferring to the CFO on issues of potentially substantial impact.
Independently oversees evaluation of proposals received from vendors, negotiating with vendors, and is ultimately responsible for vendor selection.
Develops strategic sourcing strategies for IDEC-specific procurements.
Serves as full line supervisor.
Drafts and submits annual and semi-annual reports to CPO on IDEC-specific spend status and projections.
Performs other duties for the Secretary as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.