Director,Contracting and Procurement Operations

University of the District of Columbia•Washington, DC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Contracting and Procurement Operations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University's contracting and procurement functions. Under the delegated authority of the Vice President, Chief Contracting and Procurement Officer, the incumbent helps establish departmental objectives, sets performance goals, and directs daily contracting and procurement activities to ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-focused service to the University. The Director oversees procurement systems and operational support functions, administers the purchasing card program, and ensures adherence to applicable policies, regulations, and best practices. This role drives continuous process improvement, promotes operational excellence, and fosters strong partnerships across the institution to support the University's mission and strategic priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
At least 8 years of contracting and negotiation experience.
At least 5 years of experience in complex procurements.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership for the University's contracting and procurement function by identifying process improvement opportunities, implementing best practices, and driving operational excellence.
Evaluates federal and District procurement laws, regulations, and industry standards to ensure compliance while developing innovative solutions, policies, and procedures that strengthen organizational performance and procurement effectiveness.
Develops and executes proactive procurement and sourcing strategies that optimize negotiations, pricing, contract terms, and overall value.
Establishes formal solicitation requirements, oversees competitive bidding processes, reviews/approves procurement transactions and contracts in accordance with established procurement strategies, policies, and regulatory requirements.
Leverages market intelligence, industry trends, and supplier insights to support organizational objectives and achieve best-value outcomes.
Oversees contractor and consultant performance management programs, monitors vendor compliance and service delivery, identifies performance gaps and risk exposures, and implements corrective actions and vendor management strategies to mitigate organizational risk.
Serves as a trusted advisor to faculty, staff, and university stakeholders on procurement and contracting matters.
Promotes a culture of customer service excellence by maintaining open communication, providing guidance on procurement requirements, and fostering collaborative relationships that support university operations and strategic goals.
Leads and develops procurement staff by fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and professional growth.
Ensures access to training, certification, coaching, and development opportunities while creating procurement guidance materials, policies, and educational resources to support consistent application of procurement practices across the University.