Procurement Division Chief

Calvert County Government

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Manages and supervises the County’s centralized procurement and contract administration, serving as the principal public purchasing official. Oversees the procurement of goods and services and contract administration. Conducts vendor outreach and engagement to promote competition, transparency, and best value. Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and County policies, and supervises procurement staff. Other duties include supervising procurement staff, reviewing and assessing department workloads, and presenting information to staff, management, officials, and vendors. The work requires considerable prior experience in procurement administration. The Procurement Division Chief also ensures that the procurement process is efficient, transparent, and achieves the best value for the county’s financial resources. The position reports to the Deputy Director of Operations. Essential Job Functions Plans, directs, organizes, and assesses the daily procurement operations for Calvert County Government. Oversees all county purchasing activities, including solicitation processes, contract development, and contract negotiations. Develops tools and templates for bid evaluation, piggyback awards, and overall contract administration. Utilizes existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to manage maintain compliance, strengthen internal controls, and improve operational efficiency in the procurement process. Recommends and contributes to the improvement of procurement processes. Drafts and updates procurement policies, ensuring alignment with legal requirements, operational goals, and industry standards. Develops and coordinates procurement training programs for Buyers and departments, including onboarding, refresher training, and process updates. Coordinates vendor outreach activities to educate vendors on procurement processes, requirements, and opportunities, improving access and responsiveness. Supervises positions and personnel to make best use of employees; participates in the selection of new staff, develops employees' capabilities; counsels employees and recommends disciplinary actions; enforces department and County policies and procedures. Develops and interprets policies and procedures governing the conduct of procurement transactions in accordance with all Federal, State, and local requirements related to procurement; ensures compliance with the same. Establishes programs, manuals and forms, as deemed necessary to facilitate and implement the applicable procurement regulations and Code of Public Local Laws. Determines and provides advice for the most advantageous method and best practices for procurement. Recommends changes to the Code of Public Local Laws for procurement matters. Provides testimony to legislature on proposed changes. Communicates procurement information to staff, management, officials, and vendors. Prepares, reviews, and approves procurement tech packages for the award of contracts in accordance with the Calvert County Code of Public Local Laws, Title 6 Contracts and Purchasing. Provides advisory services contract compliance and vendor performance, working in collaboration with the departments and the County Attorney as applicable. Advises on and negotiates payment terms and conditions with new vendors. Develops and delivers reports and presentations to senior leadership, the County Executive, and the County Council, as necessary. Supervises the end-of-fiscal year closeout for procurement-related items. Serves as Calvert County representative on the Southern Maryland Cooperative Purchasing Committee. Other Duties Performs related work as required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or a related field.
Six years of progressively responsible public sector procurement experience which must include considerable experience managing staff, daily operations, customer service and policy development and implementation.
Subject to background investigation.
Operation of technology devices such as a computer, phone, keyboard, mouse, and other related hardware.

Nice To Haves

Procurement experience in the State of Maryland is strongly preferred.
Certified Maryland Procurement Officer (CMPO), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), or other relevant certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans, directs, organizes, and assesses the daily procurement operations for Calvert County Government.
Oversees all county purchasing activities, including solicitation processes, contract development, and contract negotiations.
Develops tools and templates for bid evaluation, piggyback awards, and overall contract administration.
Utilizes existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to manage maintain compliance, strengthen internal controls, and improve operational efficiency in the procurement process.
Recommends and contributes to the improvement of procurement processes.
Drafts and updates procurement policies, ensuring alignment with legal requirements, operational goals, and industry standards.
Develops and coordinates procurement training programs for Buyers and departments, including onboarding, refresher training, and process updates.
Coordinates vendor outreach activities to educate vendors on procurement processes, requirements, and opportunities, improving access and responsiveness.
Supervises positions and personnel to make best use of employees; participates in the selection of new staff, develops employees' capabilities; counsels employees and recommends disciplinary actions; enforces department and County policies and procedures.
Develops and interprets policies and procedures governing the conduct of procurement transactions in accordance with all Federal, State, and local requirements related to procurement; ensures compliance with the same.
Establishes programs, manuals and forms, as deemed necessary to facilitate and implement the applicable procurement regulations and Code of Public Local Laws.
Determines and provides advice for the most advantageous method and best practices for procurement.
Recommends changes to the Code of Public Local Laws for procurement matters.
Provides testimony to legislature on proposed changes.
Communicates procurement information to staff, management, officials, and vendors.
Prepares, reviews, and approves procurement tech packages for the award of contracts in accordance with the Calvert County Code of Public Local Laws, Title 6 Contracts and Purchasing.
Provides advisory services contract compliance and vendor performance, working in collaboration with the departments and the County Attorney as applicable.
Advises on and negotiates payment terms and conditions with new vendors.
Develops and delivers reports and presentations to senior leadership, the County Executive, and the County Council, as necessary.
Supervises the end-of-fiscal year closeout for procurement-related items.
Serves as Calvert County representative on the Southern Maryland Cooperative Purchasing Committee.
Performs related work as required.